Weird History

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Göbekli Tepe just doesn’t make sense. The neolithic&nbsp;archaeological ruins were first uncovered in the '60s, but their significance wasn’t truly realized until 1994. The site&nbsp;is&nbsp;located in southeastern Turkey -&nbsp;although it predates the establishment of the country by a significant amount of time. In fact, Göbekli Tepe is so old&nbsp;and complex&nbsp;that it is <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.ranker.com/list/archaeology-that-changed-history/nathan-gibson">rewriting our understanding</a> of not just Turkish history, but the entire history of humanity. Based on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.ranker.com/list/archaeological-misunderstandings-and-mistakes/stephanroget">everything we know</a> about how modern&nbsp;civilization got its start, Göbekli Tepe should not exist. However, exist it does, and&nbsp;has for nearly 12,000 years.Archaeological study of Göbekli Tepe has been going on for quite some time - even though the modern political climate in Turkey has made matters slightly more difficult. Some sections are even in the process of being restored. The site has become a tourist attraction and a source of local pride, and there are&nbsp;plenty of good reasons for that. Göbekli Tepe is, after all, the oldest site of significance created by human beings, and that makes it one of the most important <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.ranker.com/list/facts-about-peat-bog-bodies/laura-allan">archaeological discoveries</a> ever made.

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This Archaeological Site Is Rewriting Our Entire Understanding Of Human History

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15 Insane Facts About Göbekli Tepe That Everyone Should Know

Stephan Roget

Everything you didn't know about the so-called leaders of the free world, from their favorite foods to their pets' names.

U.S. Presidents

History

The death of a president is always a big deal, whether it is unexpected - such as John F. Kennedy&#39;s assassination - or predictable, like Ronald Reagan&#39;s death after suffering from Alzheimer&#39;s disease for ten years. While former presidents always get the full memorial Monty, the death of a sitting president can cause political upheaval as the successor takes the reigns. But just how many US presidents have died? Sure, you probably have a rough idea, but do you know the circumstances of their deaths and the legacy they left behind?&nbsp;

Looking to the past is crucial to understanding the present. And knowing how all the US presidents died - especially the ones that died in office - can shed some light on our current political situation. In total, 39 US presidents have passed on. Keep reading to learn about all the US president deaths that have happened since the inception of our country.

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How All The Departed US Presidents Have Died

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How All the Departed US Presidents Have Died

Mel Judson

Though the U.S. is not even 250 years old, history textbooks already must omit a great deal. Here are in-depth looks at a few of the most fascinating and less flattering events and scenes that took place on American soil.

America's Forgotten History

From the early inhabitants of the original 13 colonies, to the pioneers who moved West and South as America expanded, there was one common problem when it came to establishing new settlements: What would they name their city?Some US cities and towns were named after a founder, a nearby geological feature, or a place the settlers had come from, but <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/weird-american-small-towns/noah-henry">others</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/weird-american-town-names/laura-allan">had very unusual names.</a>And the city or town could end up being renamed, sometimes multiple times. Here are the stories about how some US cities got their original monikers, and the reason(s) why the name ended up being changed.

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US Cities That Changed Their Names, And The Surprising Reasons Why

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US Cities That Changed Their Names

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WTF historical photos that have us turning on every light in the house.

Eerie Glimpses into the Past

Historical Photos

Heavy shadows, monotone colors, and faded edges can make historical photos terrifying. Though&nbsp;not the most inherently&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/scary-pictures/brian-gilmore">scary photos</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/rare-historical-photos/larry-taylor?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">pictures from the past</a>&nbsp;can have a haunting and unsettling eeriness to them. Many historical photos <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/unintentionally-creepy-old-photos/brenden-donnelly">aren't meant to scare viewers</a>, but due to their sometimes macabre or unusual nature, they can't help but&nbsp;send shivers down a person's spine.The&nbsp;homemade costumes, dreary dolls, and unblinking eyes&nbsp;turn&nbsp;what could have&nbsp;once been&nbsp;the&nbsp;most mundane or fun photographs into&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/cursed-photos-from-history/melissa-sartore">low-key nightmares</a>.

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Historical Photos That Are Low-Key Terrifying

21 Unsettling Historical Photos

Brenden Donnelly

Since the dawn of civilization, a lot of important things have happened. Here are lists of about the many winding routes we took to get where we are today.

Historical Contexts

If you weren't living in the 21st century, when and where would you live? There are many advantages to living in the 21st century, but there are also&nbsp;forgotten <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/which-era-would-you-want-to-live-in/jacob-shelton?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">eras of history</a> full of peace, rapid cultural&nbsp;building, and prosperity.&nbsp;Some people choose their&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/which-era-would-you-want-to-live-in/jacob-shelton">favorite historical era</a> based on their personality - but what was really the&nbsp;best time to be alive? And could the perks of a bygone era&nbsp;convince you to hop into&nbsp;a time machine?&nbsp;It is important to note that while an era might have brought amazing experiences to some people, those opportunities often came with&nbsp;pain and persecution for&nbsp;others. Still, there are surprising times and places where certain groups, like women, may have had even more rights than they do in Western society today.So, what was the best time in history to live in?

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What Were The Best Times In History To Be Alive?

What Were The Best Times To Be Alive In History?

Susanna Olson

The Empress on Netflix provides a look at the early life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Through six episodes, viewers see the rebellious and spirited young woman who would go on to have <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/life-of-elisabeth-of-austria/philgibbons">a life plagued</a> with tragedy.&nbsp;The story behind The Empress is more complicated than the show can depict accurately, but it does provide many facts about Elisabeth (often called “Sisi”). We also meet Emperor Franz Joseph, his mother, Sophie, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/empress-cast-vs-real-people/elle-tharp">the other figures</a> who defined life at the Habsburg court in Austria during the 19th century.&nbsp;Notable fictions are woven into The Empress, so we decided to examine the overall historical accuracy of the series. Take a look at what we found out and vote up the subjects you were curious about, too.&nbsp;

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What 'The Empress' Actually Gets Right - And Wrong - About History

Melissa Sartore

Michael Cera

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0148418/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1">Michael Cera</a> is a star who has built his image on playing nice guys and wimps. To take but one example, he managed to be a bit of a scene-stealer in Greta Gerwig’s&nbsp;Barbie,&nbsp;in which he plays Ken’s much-less-dynamic friend, Allan. However, there are many&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/michael-cera-movies-small-details/damon-davis">moments in Cera's films</a> where one sees the subtlety and sophistication of his acting shine through, and this also emerges&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/michael-cera-interview-moments/brian-roque">in his various interviews</a>.&nbsp;The people who have acted alongside Cera in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/michael-cera-movie-moments/damon-davis">his most famous movies</a> have been generous in their praise, demonstrating the extent to which he truly is one of the nicest guys in Hollywood.

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What People Who Have Worked With Michael Cera Said About Him

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Thomas West

Hugh Grant

Known predominantly for starring in beloved romantic comedies, Hugh Grant has earned a reputation for behaving much differently in person than the magnetic, charming characters he plays on screen. While fans fell for him as one of the most well-known <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/90s-romcom-facts/emily-mast">'90s romance movie</a> actors, tabloid headlines called out his “lewd” behavior and less-than cheerful demeanor.With so many conflicting stories, we can't help but be curious as to what he's really like. Thankfully, other actors who have worked with him throughout <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/hugh-grant-movies-and-films-and-filmography/ranker-film">his extensive career</a> have often opened up about their experiences with the notoriously cranky, but also dryly funny British actor.&nbsp;

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What People Who Worked With Hugh Grant Had To Say About Him

Lauren Glen

Revisiting HBO's beloved, harrowing, heartbreaking miniseries that follows the Easy Company from jump training in 1942 through the end of WWII.

Band of Brothers

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In TV and movies, it's the little things that make the biggest difference. That's especially true when you're trying to make a true-to-life historical series like <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.amazon.com/Band-of-Brothers-Season-1/dp/B006885EFE">Band of Brothers</a>. The producers of Band of Brothers were famously fanatical about getting everything right, going well <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/band-of-brothers-show-vs-book/gordon-cameron">beyond the book</a> in their research. Producer/writer Erik Jendresen <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.wfae.org/show/charlotte-talks-with-mike-collins/2019-06-06/charlotte-talks-band-of-brothers-co-creator-erik-jendresen">said he did so much research</a> that by the end of the process he said, "I could close my eyes on any given day in 1944, and knew what was happening 360 degrees around me if I had been in [Easy Company]."Here are some of the little details that put Band of Brothers a couple of notches above the usual WWII TV and movie fare.

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'Band Of Brothers' Has Subtle Details That Add To Its Historical Accuracy 

'Band Of Brothers' Details That Make It Historically Accurate

Jessica Wright

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks is known for his huge film successes, including&nbsp;Saving Private Ryan,&nbsp;Forrest Gump, Big, and A League of Their Own, as well as being beloved as "America's Dad." He's Hollywood's Everyman, capable of imbuing any role with his own personal charm, and seemingly impervious to the many trappings of fame (plus, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/tom-hanks-wholesome-social-media/jason-f-collins">his Tweets are as wholesome</a> as can be). Regular folks who meet and work with him often remark on&nbsp;his kind, down-to-earth personality.This list reveals some of the most intriguing, funny, and heartwarming stories about filming with Tom Hanks, a man dedicated to his craft and bringing compassion to every set.&nbsp;

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Tom Hank's Behind-The-Scenes Stories Prove Unmatched Dedication To His Films

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Tom Hank's Behind-The-Scenes Stories From His Best Movies

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Kurt Russell

Through their long and successful careers in Hollywood, actors and partners <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/kurt-russell-fun-facts/jacob-shelton">Kurt Russell</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/goldie-hawn-facts/alexandra-plesa">Goldie Hawn</a> have made it work - and kept things interesting. The couple's love story began in the 1980s and has spanned more than three decades. Although they were both previously married, Hawn and Russell have never gotten married, instead starting their own unique and blended close-knit family that includes a number of famous faces. They also have a child together, Wyatt Russell, who you might recognize from Marvel as U.S. Agent John Walker. Throughout it all, they have proven you <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/famous-couples-who-never-married/celebrity-lists">don't need a piece of paper</a> to make a relationship last.Read on for the "aww"-inducing stories from their many years together, and the adorably heartfelt things they've had to say about each other.

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Kurt Russell & Goldie Hawn's Romance Will Melt Your Heart With These Stories

Kurt Russell & Goldie Hawn's Relationship Shows Love Is More Than Marriage

Are we all alone in the universe? Probs not.

Close Encounters

Area 51

Mysteries, conspiracies, and downright creepy stories&nbsp;surround&nbsp;Area 51. There are rumors about&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.ranker.com/list/area-51-creepy-stories/kellen-perry">the highly classified Air Force base</a> in Nevada being&nbsp;home to everything from alien life to clandestine military operations.&nbsp;Journalist Annie Jacobsen <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.amazon.com/Area-51-Uncensored-Americas-Military/dp/0316202304?tag=rankercom-20">published her book</a>&nbsp;Area 51: An Uncensored History of America's Top Secret Military Base, in which she proposes another theory. According to Jacobsen, Area 51, AKA Groom Lake,&nbsp;became the site of several top-secret government weapons technology programs. Jacobsen's work contains extensive research and interviews with former employees. So what's really <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/storm-area-51-raid-what-would-happen/ranker-news">inside Area 51</a>?

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Area 51's Secrets Explored From Nuclear Experiments To Stalin's Mutant Pilots 

Area 51: An Uncensored History of America's Secret Military Base

Ellie Nelson

A deep look at the cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems.

Alcohol Through the Ages

Food History

Wise prophet&nbsp;Homer Simpson <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUVwR0rw5fk" target="_blank">famously described alcohol</a> as &quot;the cause of and solution to all of life's problems&quot; and it turns out he's kind of right.&nbsp;Alcohol isn't just a mostly overpriced social lubricant at best (and horribly destructive and addictive poison at worst);&nbsp;&nbsp;it actually played a huge role in the daily routine of almost every man, woman,&nbsp;and child in early America.&nbsp;&nbsp;The drinking habits in early America shaped the country into what it is today, for better or for worse. Take a look back in time with this list and check out all of the old laws, resourceful criminals, and fearless leaders that changed our boozy history.&nbsp;

Substance Abuse

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The True Story Behind America's History with Alcohol

10 Fascinating Facts About Early American Booze Consumption

Rachel Souerbry

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The 1990s was the era of grunge, independent films, and the dawning of the world wide web, but what was it like at the grocery store? For generations, people have commented on the rising cost of groceries, but when factoring in inflation, some items are actually cheaper today than they were in the 1990s. Food prices in 1990 were often similar to today&#39;s prices - which one would hope for since it wasn&#39;t all that long ago - though some items have actually come down in price in the past 30 years.

Have you ever wondered, &ldquo;how much was a loaf of bread in the 1990s?&rdquo; How about the price of eggs? This list will break down <a href="http://https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=12&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjL-JT44NnoAhWQhJ4KHatpA1cQFjALegQIBxAB&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fnaldc.nal.usda.gov%2Fdownload%2FCAT91960192%2FPDF&amp;usg=AOvVaw3LzA_fIuaI7cfmaiGusyVK" target="_blank">1990 food prices</a> by listing the average price back then, the 1990 price factoring in inflation &ndash; using the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics&#39;s <a href="https://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/cpicalc.pl?cost1=0.60&amp;year1=199001&amp;year2=202003" target="_blank">inflation calculator</a> &ndash; and today&#39;s cost for the same items.

Vote up the grocery store items that you think have the best 2020 value and vote down any food that you&#39;d rather go back in time to purchase.

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How Much Grocery Store Items Cost In 1990 Vs. 2020

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Alcohol

Did you know that some of the former presidents of the US were huge drinkers and recreational drug users? Huge! Granted, most people in the country were pretty hard drinkers in the 19th century. (Got a toothache? Whisky! Depressed? Gin! Starting your day? Cider!) But even in the context of their own time periods, these ex-presidents loved to party.Here is the question: which one would you most want to go on a bender with?! Think hard! This is totally serious and important. &nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=bender">Urban dictionary defines a bender as</a>&nbsp;"the status of being bent for more than a day. Usually results in loss of memory, money, strange tattoos, and other things you'll have a hell of a time explaining." So, not just a couple of beers at a bar, but a full-on blackout fest. Which former president would you bring with you? WHICH ONE?!Odds are, you don't know the personal story of each <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-u-s-presidents-from-best-to-worst">former US president</a>. That's okay. Context has been provided as well as the pros and cons to consider before you make your choice. So grab a glass of whiskey to sip on, pull up a chair, and rank these ex-presies. If you're drinking already and feeling bold, rerank this list and put it in your own order.&nbsp;

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Which Ex-Presidents Would You Want to Go on a Bender With?

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Elise Hennigan

People have been living all around the world for literally thousands of years. Here are some of the most interesting things human beings have ever done (that we know about).

Fascinating Ancient History

The 6th century boasted many exceptional&nbsp;events, people, and historical contributions. The exception, however, was&nbsp;one year that was particularly burdened with a level of tragedy and strife&nbsp;most historians say surpassed any other moment in history: 536 CE. This was the worst part of the Dark Ages.&nbsp;

Calling the medieval period the &quot;<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/reasons-dark-ages-were-not-dark/melissa-sartore" target="_blank">Dark Ages</a>&quot; may seem to be a&nbsp;bit of an exaggeration to the period overall, but scientists and historians recently determined the worst time to be alive was, in fact, during one of these so-called dark years. Across the globe, from Europe to Asia to South America, civilization stalled as people dealt with hardships brought on by horrific natural events.

Plagues, famines, and natural disasters all contributed to the challenges of 536, as did messy political shifts and cultural upheavals. <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/what-life-was-like-in-medieval-castles/shanell-mouland" target="_blank">Living in medieval Europe</a> was anything but easy, and the 6th century appeared&nbsp;exceptionally difficult to survive.&nbsp;Don&#39;t worry, though - about 100 years later <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/how-did-humans-survive-536-ad-worst-year/genevieve-carlton" target="_blank">everything recovered as best it could</a>.

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Historians Agree 536 Was The Worst Year To Be Alive - What Happened?

Reasons 536 CE Was The Worst Year To Be Alive

Weird History lists at Ranker - the ultimate source for lists and rankings in all categories

Weird History lists on Ranker

Weird History lists at Ranker - the ultimate source for hundreds of Weird History lists and rankings.