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History isn't just about the past. By learning about those distant people and events, we also understand what shaped the present.

And while nothing will replace sound academic literature, every once in a while, it's healthy to balance it out with other forms of content, reinvigorating our passion for the subject.

That's why we at Bored Panda like covering online projects like 'Weird History' or 'Everyday History Facts.'

This time, we're inviting you to take a look at 'Amazing History', an Instagram account that focuses on the visuals and shares lesser-known historical pictures in an attempt to broaden its followers' horizons. Here are some of the gems it has shared so far.

More info: Instagram

#2

50 Years Ago They Tried To Stop Katherine Switzer From Running The Boston Marathon Because She Was A Woman. Last Month, At 70, She Ran It Again Wearing The Same Number

50 Years Ago They Tried To Stop Katherine Switzer From Running The Boston Marathon Because She Was A Woman. Last Month, At 70, She Ran It Again Wearing The Same Number

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According to author, historian, and storyteller from the UK Dave Tonge, history can offer a lot to a person.

"It really depends on the type of history being taught," Tonge told Bored Panda. "I, like so many people, was fed a never-ending list of dates — of great battles and Kings and Queens. In other words, the history of the so-called 'great and good'. It's the kind of history that drives many away from the subject because it's 'elite' history that they cannot relate to."

#4

On January 19, 1981, Heavyweight Champ Muhammad Ali Became So Upset When He Found Out That A Vietnam Veteran Was About To Commit Suicide Near His Home, That He Dashed To The Scene In Just Four Minutes. Not Only Did Ali Prevent The Man From Killing Himself, He Also Personally Drove Him To The Hospital

On January 19, 1981, Heavyweight Champ Muhammad Ali Became So Upset When He Found Out That A Vietnam Veteran Was About To Commit Suicide Near His Home, That He Dashed To The Scene In Just Four Minutes. Not Only Did Ali Prevent The Man From Killing Himself, He Also Personally Drove Him To The Hospital

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Tonge, however, has always been interested "in the history of the common people (as presented in court documents, for example) and also in the history of riots and rebellions, where the poorer folk whose interests were not represented by the Church and State, rose up against the ruling classes."

"That's why I also got into storytelling; in the folk tales that people shared in the alehouse and by their own hearth at home, again we hear poorer voices coming through and learn something of their ideas, dreams, and beliefs that often conflicted with that of the ruling classes," he explained.

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#6

Madam CJ Walker in her Ford

Madam CJ Walker in her Ford

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Kayla J
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She sold hair care and cosmetics exclusively for black women which went out of business in the early 80s but has been revived and sold at Sephora. https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/03/self-made-madam-cj-walker-company-true-story

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#7

American Aircraft Carrier

American Aircraft Carrier

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Fiona Autiero
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amerigo Vespucci is stunning. I am so fortunate to admire its beauty from my home when it comes to visit here in the bay of Naples and the Sorrento coast. To see it a night with all of the lights is magical.

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Eucritta
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw her in a tour of tall ships that visited my area one year, she is indeed.

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Mazer
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nothing but respect for excellent craftsmanship

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Giulia Fortunati
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was luky enough to visit the Amerigo Vespucci, She's even better in person! Fun (?) fact: in Italian we used to call Amerigo Vespucci a more experienced woman who go with a younger man (like a cougar), because she's a training ship...

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Robert Bailey
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Damn, they named a ship after that guy. I thought it was just 2 continents.

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Hemlock Tea
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Me reading part of the first sentence "American aircraft carrier flashed the Italian Amerigo Vespucci" my brain: wait, what?

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pigasus1
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not as beautiful as the US Constitution sitting in Boston Harbor.

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ZAPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

so, small factoid: the USA is named for the same person (Vespucci).

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Vlacas12
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Americas, the two continents South and North America, are, not the USA specifically.

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History is such a vast subject, one person can't possibly know it all. So Tong believes that its enthusiasts should focus "on periods, or rather events that lead to great changes, especially with regard to ideas and beliefs as well as leading to great social change."

"In medieval times, that might be events like the Black Death, which killed nearly half the population of Europe, but in doing so resulted in momentous changes for those who were left," the historian highlighted. "For example, fewer people had greater opportunities to escape the feudal system that had seen poor families tied to one master and the land upon which they were born."

#8

This Is A 392-Year-Old Greenland Shark That Was Recently Discovered In The Arctic Ocean. He's Been Wandering The Ocean Since The Early 1600s!

This Is A 392-Year-Old Greenland Shark That Was Recently Discovered In The Arctic Ocean. He's Been Wandering The Ocean Since The Early 1600s!

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#9

Polish Girl, Lidka, 21, Member Of The Resistance, During Warsaw Uprising 1944. Survived The War, Died In 1993

Polish Girl, Lidka, 21, Member Of The Resistance, During Warsaw Uprising 1944. Survived The War, Died In 1993

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#10

Hedgehog

Hedgehog

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Kayla J
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is at the Louvre and part of a collection http://www.payvand.com/news/16/dec/1124.html

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When it comes to the UK in particular, Tonge thinks momentous events like the Reformation and the English Civil war are also important because "not only do they mark changes to our religious and political system, but also they see poorer folk beginning to formulate their own ideas and beliefs separate to the church and state. "

#11

Two Brave Armenian Women Pose With Their Rifles Before Going To Battle Against The Ottomans - 1895

Two Brave Armenian Women Pose With Their Rifles Before Going To Battle Against The Ottomans - 1895

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#12

Joe Medicine Crow

Joe Medicine Crow

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Agnes Jekyll
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He lived an amazing life, and died at 102. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Medicine_Crow

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#13

Three-Year-Old Peggy Kennedy, A Polio Patient, Smiles At Therapy Ducks In A Pail Of Water. 1956

Three-Year-Old Peggy Kennedy, A Polio Patient, Smiles At Therapy Ducks In A Pail Of Water. 1956

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#14

Letter From A Trapped Coal Miner Says Goodbye To His Wife, 1902

Letter From A Trapped Coal Miner Says Goodbye To His Wife, 1902

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Kayla J
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fraterville Mine disaster Jacob Vowell and his son Elbert along with about 200 other miners were killed "“Ellen, darling, goodbye for us both. Elbert said the Lord has saved him. We are all praying for air to support us, but it is getting so bad without any air. Ellen I want you to live right and come to heaven. Raise the children the best you can. Oh how I wish to be with you, goodbye. Bury me and Elbert in the same grave by little Eddie. Godbye Ellen, goodbye Lily, goodbye Jemmie, goodbye Horace. We are together. Is 25 minutes after two. There is a few of us alive yet. Jake and Elbert Oh God for one more breath. Ellen remember me as long as you live Goodbye darling.”

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When it comes to choosing the right sources to get started, Tonge always recommends older history books aimed at school children.

"I'm talking about textbooks from the 1950s and 60s, because they tended to have a lot more detail than the very basic children's history books of today and often refer to original sources many of which are included," the historian explained.

#15

A Reusable Shopping List From The 1920s

A Reusable Shopping List From The 1920s

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#17

225-Million-Year-Old Petrified Opal Tree Trunk Located In Arizona

225-Million-Year-Old Petrified Opal Tree Trunk Located In Arizona

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#18

Job Hunting 1930's

Job Hunting 1930's

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But Tonge's collections like Tudor Folk Tales or Medieval Folk Tales for Children are also great choices because their characters often relate to real historical figures or archetypes from various time periods and everything is based on legit historical documents.

But if it's more memes that you're currently after, check out our piece on History Memes Explained, a cool social media project that not only collects but also dissects the best memes about our past.

#19

Chief Iron Tail

Chief Iron Tail

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#20

A Peruvian Elongated Skull With A Metal Plate Surgically Implanted, Estimated To Be From About 2000 Years Ago. The Broken Bone Surrounding The Repair Is Tightly Fused Together Indicating It Was A Successful Surgery

A Peruvian Elongated Skull With A Metal Plate Surgically Implanted, Estimated To Be From About 2000 Years Ago. The Broken Bone Surrounding The Repair Is Tightly Fused Together Indicating It Was A Successful Surgery

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Gaby Almodovar
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know, why are most people today thinking, that our ancestors 2-3 or more thousand years ago, were "dumber" as the 21st century people. Sure, the technology was not as advanced, like today's is, but they had the knowledge.

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#21

Two Guards From Delhi Durbar With James Ricalton, An American 🇺🇸 Photographer Who Visited India In 1903

Two Guards From Delhi Durbar With James Ricalton, An American 🇺🇸 Photographer Who Visited India In 1903

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#23

This Is The Rms Queen Elizabeth Pulling Into New York With Returning Us Servicemen In 1945. Finally Ww2 Is Over

This Is The Rms Queen Elizabeth Pulling Into New York With Returning Us Servicemen In 1945. Finally Ww2 Is Over

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#24

1500 Year Old Tree, Located In South Africa. The Oldest Living Thing On Earth

1500 Year Old Tree, Located In South Africa. The Oldest Living Thing On Earth

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Full Name
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is not the oldest tree. There are several trees considerably older.

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However, if it's more memes that you're after, check out our piece on History Memes Explained, a cool social media project that not only collects but also dissects the best memes about our past.

#27

This Skeleton Of A Roman Man, Who Was Crushed By A Flying Stone Slab During The Eruption Of Mount Vesuvius Nearly 2000 Years Ago, Was Discovered In May Of 2018

This Skeleton Of A Roman Man, Who Was Crushed By A Flying Stone Slab During The Eruption Of Mount Vesuvius Nearly 2000 Years Ago, Was Discovered In May Of 2018

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N G
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate it when this happens.. and you remember that you forgot to put your trousers on.

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#28

South Dakota 126 Years Ago. Indian Chiefs Who Had Council With General Miles And Settled The Indian War. 1. Standing Bull, 2. Bear Who Stands And Looks Back, 3. Has The Big White Horse, 4. White Tail, 5. Living Bear, 6. Little Thunder, 7. Bull Dog, 8. High Hawk, 9. Lame, 10. Eagle Pipe

South Dakota 126 Years Ago. Indian Chiefs Who Had Council With General Miles And Settled The Indian War. 1. Standing Bull, 2. Bear Who Stands And Looks Back, 3. Has The Big White Horse, 4. White Tail, 5. Living Bear, 6. Little Thunder, 7. Bull Dog, 8. High Hawk, 9. Lame, 10. Eagle Pipe

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#29

Fossil Trees As Tall As Modern-Day Redwoods Have Been Found In Northern Thailand. This Petrified Trunk Measures 72.2 Meters In Length, Suggesting That The Original Tree Would Have Been Over 100 Meters Tall. Its Approximate Age Is 800,000 Years

Fossil Trees As Tall As Modern-Day Redwoods Have Been Found In Northern Thailand. This Petrified Trunk Measures 72.2 Meters In Length, Suggesting That The Original Tree Would Have Been Over 100 Meters Tall. Its Approximate Age Is 800,000 Years

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#30

Just Rare In 1964, Ringo Starr Snapped A Photo Of Some High School Students Who Had Skipped Class To See The Beatles During Their First Trip To The United States

Just Rare In 1964, Ringo Starr Snapped A Photo Of Some High School Students Who Had Skipped Class To See The Beatles During Their First Trip To The United States

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#32

Jacob Miller

Jacob Miller

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#33

Young Oyster Shuckers, Josie, Six Years Old, Bertha, Six Years Old, Sophie, Ten Years Old, Port Royal, South Carolina, 1912. Work Began At 4 Am. Photo By Lewis Hine

Young Oyster Shuckers, Josie, Six Years Old, Bertha, Six Years Old, Sophie, Ten Years Old, Port Royal, South Carolina, 1912. Work Began At 4 Am. Photo By Lewis Hine

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Otter
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Child labor in the US was stopped during the Great Depression of the 1930s, to make more jobs available to adults. Nobody in power had much of a problem with children working full-time, instead of going to school.

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#34

Union Blue And Confederate Gray Veterans Reunite At Gettysburg In The Year 1913 — Standing By “The Bloody Angle” Where Pickett’s Charge Took Place 50 Years Earlier And Over 3,000 Soldiers On Both Sides Lost Their Lives — Now They Clasp Hands Over The Stone Wall As Brothers

Union Blue And Confederate Gray Veterans Reunite At Gettysburg In The Year 1913 — Standing By “The Bloody Angle” Where Pickett’s Charge Took Place 50 Years Earlier And Over 3,000 Soldiers On Both Sides Lost Their Lives — Now They Clasp Hands Over The Stone Wall As Brothers

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The Starsong Princess
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Civil War reunions, attended by both sides, were very common at the end of the 19th century and early 20th. Former soldiers would meet up with friends they had not seen in decades and formerly reconcile with the other side. The last great reunion was in 1938 on the 75th anniversary of Gettysburg.

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#35

A German Woman With Her All Belonging Sitting Alone In War Ruined Cologne. 1945

A German Woman With Her All Belonging Sitting Alone In War Ruined Cologne. 1945

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#36

A Triple Decker Bus. Germany, Berlin, 1926

A Triple Decker Bus. Germany, Berlin, 1926

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#37

US Veterans Of Four Different Wars, That Lived In The Same Town Of Geary, Oklahoma - 1940s

US Veterans Of Four Different Wars, That Lived In The Same Town Of Geary, Oklahoma - 1940s

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Katherine Boag
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These days to be a veteran of 4 US wars, you only need to have 'served' 1 year...

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#39

Archaeologist And A Child From Pompeii

Archaeologist And A Child From Pompeii

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#40

In 1895 In Paris, An Express Train Overruns A Buffer Stop, Crosses More Than 30 Meters Of Concourse Before Plummeting Through A Window At Gare Montparnasse

In 1895 In Paris, An Express Train Overruns A Buffer Stop, Crosses More Than 30 Meters Of Concourse Before Plummeting Through A Window At Gare Montparnasse

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Note: this post originally had 74 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.