1. Cleopatra Was Egyptian While Cleopatra is often depicted as a quintessential Egyptian queen, she was actually of Greek descent. She belonged to the Ptolemaic dynasty, which ruled Egypt after Alexander the Great’s empire split. The Ptolemies were originally from […]
1. Sassafras Oil Sassafras oil, once a popular flavoring in root beer and other beverages, was commonly used in cooking and as a medicinal remedy. However, it contains safrole, a compound classified as a carcinogen by the FDA. Over time,
1. Garlic Garlic has long been associated with mystical properties, especially in European folklore. It was believed to ward off evil spirits, vampires, and even disease. In ancient times, people would hang garlic cloves in their homes or wear them
1. Potato Soup Potato soup is a humble dish that became a staple during the Great Depression, providing a filling meal at minimal cost. People relied on potatoes, a cheap yet hearty ingredient, to create something satisfying that could stretch
1. Halfway, Oregon Halfway, Oregon earned its name because it’s located approximately halfway between Pine and Cornucopia, two small communities in the state. But in 1999, the town got national attention for an entirely different reason when it made a
1. Bloodletting For centuries, doctors believed that draining blood from the body could cure just about anything. Whether someone had a fever, infection, or even mental illness, the solution often involved cutting open a vein and letting the blood flow.
1. Lobster Believe it or not, lobster was once considered food for the poor. In colonial America, it was so abundant that it was used as fertilizer or fed to prisoners and servants. People actually complained about being served too
