The Library of Alexandria was not burned in a single dramatic event — it declined gradually over centuries.

The CIA’s Project ARTICHOKE preceded MK-Ultra in studying interrogation methods.

The lost city of Ubar is mentioned in Arabian legends.

At the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Jesse Owens was publicly congratulated by Hitler's rival Adolf Hitler — contrary to the popular myth.

The development of artificial joints improved mobility.

At the 1904 St. Louis Olympics, the marathon was so chaotic that the first man to finish was disqualified for riding part of the way in a car.

Synchronized skating — where teams of up to 20 skaters perform together — is a competitive discipline not yet in the Olympics.

The tradition of the white wedding dress was popularized by Queen Victoria in 1840 — before that, brides wore any color.

Synchronized swimming, now called artistic swimming, requires athletes to hold their breath for up to 3 minutes while performing choreography.