The concept of childhood as a protected period of life only emerged in Europe in the 17th–18th centuries.

Africa is so large that the United States, China, India, and most of Europe could all fit inside it simultaneously.

Fossils have been found on every continent, including Antarctica.

The Irish Potato Famine caused Ireland's population to drop by 25% in just a decade through death and emigration.

The Suez Canal significantly reduced travel time between Europe and Asia.

The shortest commercial flight in the world operates between two Scottish islands — Westray to Papa Westray — lasting about 90 seconds.

The first printed book was the Gutenberg Bible, produced around 1455 in Mainz, Germany.

The first novel ever written is widely considered to be 'The Tale of Genji', written by a Japanese woman around 1000 CE.

The tallest mountain from base to peak is Mauna Kea in Hawaii — it's just mostly underwater.