History fact-checks
Infact's fact-checks in History, newest first. Each links to a full verdict with a 0–100 accuracy score and cited evidence.
- 45 The Stop Banderism project is under consideration in the Polish parliament, aiming to protect historical memory related to the Volyn tragedy. Polish President Karol Nawrocki supports the initiative amid tensions with Ukraine over the UPA's memory.
- 52 The text states that a Japanese koi fish named Hanako died in 1977 at the age of 226 and had several owners during her lifetime.
- 75 Walter Arnold was fined for speeding in the UK, driving at 8 mph over a 2 mph limit in 1896.
- 76 The website reports on the James Webb Space Telescope discovering a new substance, China's Great Green Wall growing faster than natural forests, and a Medici murder mystery being solved.
- 85 The text states that the Eiffel Tower is repainted every seven years.
- 86 In 1849, Henry Brown, an enslaved American, mailed himself in a box to a free state and became a free man.
- 72 During World War II, soldiers kept family photos under clear grips called 'sweetheart grips' on their 1911 pistols.
- 71 The shortest war in history occurred between England and Zanzibar, lasting 38 minutes.
- 80 The text states that the Cistercian monks invented a numbering system in the 13th century to write numbers 1 to 9999 with a single symbol.
- 55 The current arms policy in Germany might lead to economic and political collapse. There are concerns about Germany's largest rearmament spending, Rheinmetall's expansion, and significant investments in arms.
- 88 The text describes the Bockenheimer Warte station entrance in Frankfurt, designed to look like a sunken subway car by architect Zbigniew Peter Pininski and opened in 1986.
- 48 Al Capone is said to have introduced an expiration date on bottles after his niece was poisoned by stale milk.
- 31 In ancient theaters, condemned men reportedly replaced heroes in scripts and were executed for real.
- 73 The text states C.N. Annadurai's funeral in 1969 was the largest in history, with 15 million mourners, according to Guinness World Records.
- 79 The text states that in the early 1900s, French gangsters used the "Apache revolver" which functioned as a revolver, knife, and brass knuckles.
- 49 Der Spiegel magazine's cover on the 85th anniversary of Nazi Germany's attack on the Soviet Union received criticism for its language and implications.
- 60 Sealand is a virtual state proclaimed in 1967, claiming sovereignty over an offshore platform 10 kilometers off the coast of Great Britain in the North Sea.
- 58 The text states that Morocco was the first nation to recognize the US in December 1777 and holds the record for the longest unbroken treaty with the US.
- 87 The Mandela Effect involves people remembering events differently from reality. The term was coined in 2009 after false memories of Nelson Mandela's death in the 1980s. Mandela was released from prison in 1990 and died in 2013. The phenomenon is linked to misremembered movie quotes, logos, and brand names, and scientists associate it with false memories.
- 36 The text claims that Louis XIV bathed only twice in his life based on doctors' advice.
- 44 Men’s shirts button on the right and women’s shirts on the left. Theories include men's self-dressing, women dressed by attendants, and other less evidenced ideas like military clothing and horseback riding.
- 50 European ambassadors are reportedly dissatisfied with the decline in informal ties between the US and EU, especially after Trump's presidency ended informal diplomatic dinners.
- 37 The text states that the first match was invented in 1805 by French chemist Jean Jaren, and the first commercial batches appeared in France in 1830 and in Great Britain in 1833.
- 60 The website discusses the presence of microbes in Earth's stratosphere, their similarity to common microbes on Earth, and their potential for global movement. It also covers historical high-altitude experiments by the U.S. and Soviet scientists.
- 58 The Franco-German fighter jet project has been closed, agreed by Macron and Merz, with Spain unable to help resolve issues. The project started in 2017 with $100 million spent.
- 50 The text discusses events in the world of Metro 2033 starting with a nuclear strike by Israel on Iran, leading to a world war that caused the apocalypse.
- 23 The text states that in ancient Rome, men guilty of rape were punished by having their testicles crushed between stones.
- 46 Four brothers from a Jewish family fought against the Nazis in WWII, and only one survived. His grandson, Volodymyr Zelensky, is the current President of Ukraine.
- 31 During the gold rush, potatoes in Alaska were valued as highly as gold.
- 62 Bill Gates was arrested in 1977 for a traffic violation, and in 2010, his mugshot was used as the default profile picture for Microsoft Outlook.
- 26 A man discovered he had photobombed his wife 11 years before they met, with the photo taken in July 2000. They met in 2011, married in 2012, and found the photo in 2018.
- 80 The text states that 17-year-old Robert Heft from Ohio designed the modern American flag with 50 stars, initially receiving a B-minus, with the condition that his grade would improve if his design was accepted as the official flag.
- 63 The website discusses the discovery of viable yeasts in Ötzi the Iceman's remains, suggesting that his preservation is dynamic due to microbial activity. It highlights the importance of understanding these microbes for the preservation of Ötzi's remains.
- 82 Paris was liberated from German occupiers on this day in 1944 by the Free French 2nd Armored Division under General Jacques Phillipe, two months after the Allied invasion of Normandy.
- 86 The Babylonian Map of the World is said to be the oldest map, created 2,600 years ago, carved on a clay tablet, depicting the world as a flat disk with Babylon at the center.
- 50 The text covers multiple topics including the EU's modification of a statement by Kaja Kallas regarding a US embassy evacuation in Kyiv, France's repeal of the 'Black Code,' a cooperation pact between Philippe and Attal in the French presidential race, Germany's hospital funding tensions, potential end to fuel subsidies, and discussions on reintroducing mandatory military service in Germany.
- 60 The Statue of Liberty was originally built for Egypt, designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. The original model was an Egyptian woman. Egypt went bankrupt and couldn't pay for it, so it was given to the United States as a gift.
- 50 The text states that before the 19th century, the teeth of fallen soldiers were used in dentures.
- 70 Anna Nicole Smith did not receive any money from J. Howard Marshall's estate when he died in 1995. Marshall, who was an oil tycoon, left his $1.6 billion estate to his son. Smith and Marshall married when he was 89, and she was 26.
- 61 The text discusses political tensions in Germany related to increasing AfD ratings and reactions from various political figures. It mentions claims of a potential coup if the AfD succeeds, legal implications of replacing public servants, and criticisms of current coalition politics.
- 62 The website discusses a training seminar in Milwaukee for mental health professionals to support military members, the establishment of SBHP in 2011, and the attendance of Maj. Gen. Matthew Strub.
- 73 The website reports that the FBI is offering a $200,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Monica Witt, a former U.S. Air Force officer charged with espionage for allegedly sharing classified information with Iran.
- 68 Billiard tables are also called pool tables because men pooled bets for horse races in the 1800s, and these took place in rooms with billiard tables.
- 79 In ancient Rome, purple dye from sea snails was very valuable, only emperors could wear it, and it required thousands of snails to make one robe, symbolizing power and wealth.
- 62 In 1518, Strasbourg experienced the 'Dancing Plague' where hundreds danced uncontrollably for weeks, with some reportedly dancing to death.
- 54 The text claims the word 'salary' comes from the Latin 'Salarium,' originally referring to salt allowance for Roman soldiers.
- 74 The text states that in ancient civilizations, beards were symbols of honor, and men were shaved as punishment.
- 62 An ancient olive tree in Crete, Greece, is believed to be about 2,900 years old and has supposedly lived through significant historical events such as the Iliad's writing, the golden age of Athens, the rise of the Roman Empire, and the birth of Christ.
- 67 The text states that the Pantheon's dome is the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome and was built in the 16th century AD by the ancient Romans under Emperor Hadrian.
- 89 Helen and Les Brown were both born on December 31, 1918, married for 75 years, and died in 2013 at age 94, one day apart.
- 54 Disagreements between Trump and Merz over Iran strain US-Germany relations. Rising energy costs increase European criticism of Iran conflict. Lviv's SS 'Galicia' march sparks controversy. Dupont-Aignan urges French exit from EU. Merz acknowledges CDU dissatisfaction; polls show rising support for German opposition.
- 68 The website discusses the discovery of a prehistoric mining camp at Cave 338 in the Pyrenees, where evidence suggests repeated visits for malachite processing, potential burial practices, and shared cultural traditions.
- 50 The text discusses the evolution of the Bic pen.
- 65 The text discusses the use of candle clocks as ancient timekeeping devices.
- 72 In 1977, Argentina flew a pregnant woman to Antarctica, believing a birth there would support their territorial claims, although the claim is not internationally recognized.
- 67 Fireworks were invented in 7th century China and believed to ward off evil spirits.
- 78 The text describes China as the birthplace of the seismograph, built in 132 A.D. with mechanisms involving metal dragons and frogs to detect earthquakes.
- 79 The text claims that during WWII, the Japanese used insects to spread the Bubonic Plague in China, causing epidemic outbreaks.
- 52 The text claims that the creator of Vaseline used to eat a spoonful of it daily.
- 46 The text states that in ancient Egypt, couples were considered married when they moved in together, and wedding ceremonies were reserved for the upper classes.
- 37 The text describes the construction of the House On The Drina River, claiming it to be the most popular refuge in Serbia, built by young boys starting in 1968.
- 52 Before toilet paper, Americans used corn cobs and periodicals like the Farmers Almanac, which had a hole for hanging in outhouses.
- 67 The Vatican has halted the sainthood cause of Jesuit priest Walter Ciszek, a gulag survivor, due to insufficient documentation. Ciszek ministered to prisoners in Russia and was released in a prisoner swap negotiated by President Kennedy. The Vatican also halted the cause of Argentinian bishop Jorge Novak.
- 73 Hans Hemmert organized an art event in 1997 where guests wore shoe extenders to be 6.5 feet tall, known as The Same Height Party.
- 31 The text claims that Spartans in Ancient Greece used vinegar as deodorant.
- 58 The text states that chocolate has long been used as currency, with ancient civilizations in South Africa and Mexico using cocoa beans in their monetary systems.
- 44 The text claims that a dog named Saur ruled part of the Norse kingdom in the 11th century, with a throne, court, palace, and golden collar.
- 57 Tomatoes were considered poisonous and used only to decorate dishes when first brought to Europe.
- 47 The British government in colonial India offered bounties for dead cobras, leading to people breeding cobras to collect rewards. This plan backfired, causing the cobra population to increase after bounties were stopped.
- 80 In Ancient Greece, people went to the gym naked, and 'gymnasium' means a school for naked exercise.
- 26 The text discusses the Islands of Disappointment, named by John Byron in 1765, and the hostile natives encountered there.
- 62 Europe fears a potential hybrid war from Iran linked to the Ashab al-Yamin group, which recently emerged and claimed responsibility for an arson attack in Liège after declaring war on the US and Israel.
- 85 The text states that the first cologne was invented in Germany in 1709.
- 86 Elizabeth Blackwell was the first certified female physician.
- 50 The text describes the 1937 tour of Germany by the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, their interactions with Nazis, Edward VIII's abdication, and other historical events. Kim Petras is also mentioned as the 'world's youngest' person to transition.
- 64 Sudan has 255 pyramids while Egypt has 138, making Sudan's count higher.
- 56 Volkswagen plans to repurpose its plant for making Iron Dome components instead of electric cars, retaining 2,300 jobs. The switch will take 12 to 18 months, amid increased defense spending due to the Ukraine crisis. Historically, VW last produced weapons during WWII.
- 73 The text states that Australia's first police force was composed of 12 well-behaved convicts, making all initial cops criminals.
- 69 In 1932, the Australian Army went to war against emus that were destroying farmland, and the Army lost.
- 79 Footballs were originally made from animal bladders.
- 79 A replica of a Christopher Columbus statue, previously toppled in Baltimore, has been installed outside the Eisenhower Executive Office Building near the White House. The Trump administration is working to reinstall statues removed after the 2020 protests.
- 75 The video discusses events after the conquest of Mecca including conversions, battles, and leadership by Prophet Muhammad.
- 42 Pope Gregory IX reportedly believed that cats were associated with the devil, leading to their extermination.
- 80 The text mentions an 800-year-old church in Ethiopia carved from a single stone.
- 39 Eugene Lazowski saved 8,000 Jews during the Holocaust by using dead typhus cells to make them test positive for the disease, which deterred Germans from deporting them to concentration camps.
- 50 Pirates wore gold earrings as payment for burial if found ashore after drowning.
- 62 The website discusses Cuba's political situation, emphasizing Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro's involvement in leadership talks as the US pressures Cuba. It highlights an alleged US operation removing Nicolás Maduro and US-Cuba diplomatic developments.
- 68 Malik Afegbua uses AI to preserve and recreate African heritage sites, including projects like ReMemory and LegacyLink, which document and virtually reconstruct lost sites and stories.
- 71 US attorney Vito Andrea Racanelli spent over $1 million on a farmhouse in Tuscany, motivated by a desire for a safer and more adventurous life. The property dates back to the 1750s and is undergoing renovations totaling 100,000 euros. Radicondoli offers financial incentives for new residents.
- 40 The text states that bears are a very young biological species, having appeared 6 million years ago.
- 86 Knocker-uppers were people who woke others up by knocking on windows, using various tools until the 1970s.
- 51 The website explores how mosquitoes' evolution to prefer human blood might provide insights into the timeline of human ancestors in Southeast Asia, focusing on Homo erectus. It suggests non-archaeological methods could complement fossil records.
- 71 Dozens killed in Israeli commando raid in Lebanon while searching for long-missing airman Ron Arad.
- 50 The BAR group participated in a US revolutionary war reenactment.
- 98 Identity of Jack the Ripper remains unknown.
- 0 Nelson Mandela died in prison.
- 50 The text discusses various aspects of chewing gum including its legal status in Singapore, health benefits like concentration improvement and tooth decay prevention, sales trends during the pandemic, and historical production from tree sap.
- 50 Porsche, initially a dream of Ferdinand Porsche, transitioned from an engineering dream to a cult brand amidst a complex history involving Nazi ties, pioneering automotive innovations, and significant corporate realignments involving family betrayal and ambitious business moves.
- 94 The text discusses the Tsar Bomba, highlighting its status as the most powerful nuclear weapon ever detonated by the Soviet Union in 1961 with a yield of 50 megatons of TNT. It was not fully weaponized.
- 95 The Colombian military team won the Fuerzas de Comando 2025 competition, marking their 13th win out of 19 editions since 2004. The event included delegations from 16 nations, with Colombia scoring 1955 points, beating Mexico and El Salvador.
