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There are quite a few people who mistakenly see history as a boring subject. Learning about events that happened years ago or people who are long gone may seem like a waste of time. But the truth is, it’s actually much more than memorizing a whole lot of dates, figures, and names. And it can be pretty entertaining, too!

Just take a look at the r/HistoryMemes subreddit, which is purely dedicated to sharing epic jokes about the old days. More than 3.6M self-described history experts continuously share hilarious takes on our past and mix in a little fun to the facts.

We have selected some of the best posts from the r/HistoryMemes online community to prove that history is not dull at all. Continue scrolling, and let us know which ones you enjoyed most! Also, if you can’t get enough of funny history memes, be sure to check out our previous posts right herehere, and here.

#3

I Am Confusion

I Am Confusion

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Since 2012, the r/HistoryMemes subreddit has amassed more than 3.6M members with several thousand researchers scrolling through the forum at any given time. Online communities like this one show us how learning events that happened before us can help us better understand the present. 

Finding the time to explore history is always a great idea. This way, we fill our heads with compelling knowledge and valuable context that allows us to see how our actions shaped the world. While not all things in our past are fun and full of joy, there are plenty of interesting topics for virtually everyone. 

To learn more about this subject and why history buffs enjoy looking at hilarious Reddit memes about our past, we reached out to Darren R. Reid, Ph.D., a lecturer in history at Coventry University. When asked whether funny pictures and jokes can be used in teaching, he said that they are a great way of communicating complex ideas in a fun and accessible way.

#4

It Really Do Be Like That (Via: @russiansinlondon)

It Really Do Be Like That (Via: @russiansinlondon)

historyinmemes Report

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"They can be very clever and I think students really appreciate using memes to help them to connect to the topics they’re studying," Reid told Bored Panda. When so many people enjoy encountering funny history memes online, the lecturer said that "when they’re good, they are intelligent, witty, and fun. They also help people easily understand (and remember!) important events or ideas."

While some believe that history is a dull subject that is slowly losing its significance in the academic world, Reid said that it’s, in fact, one of the most enduring and popular ones. 

"Practically everyone, at some point in their life, will set out to learn something about the past. History memes let us explore that enthusiasm in a new way, connecting with a broader and younger audience." 

"If someone doesn’t love history yet, they probably haven’t learned about the area and period that will capture their imagination," he continued. "Memes are a great way to tell stories in a really accessible way — and they help people to learn about compelling chapters of the past that they didn’t even know existed."

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#8

It Do Be Like That

It Do Be Like That

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Studying the little details, even if from Reddit memes, that surround a specific era or event can help us deepen our knowledge and grasp why things happened the way they did. After all, learning about our past can change our perspective, improve critical thinking, and let us come up with new brilliant ideas. While the basic facts provide us with context, understanding how civilizations, cultures, and governments evolved is the truly fascinating part. 

#12

I Still Do This

I Still Do This

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#14

Quit Horsing Around

Quit Horsing Around

historyinmemes Report

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DUN DUN (she/her)
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can see myself doing this in that past life, and ending the whole plan in one snort😂

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#15

Father Of John Wick

Father Of John Wick

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

Was special forces in WW2 and taught Peter Jackson what sound a man makes when he gets stabbed in the back. It's in interviews anyway, I don't know about his wiki page.

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If you’re wondering why people should pursue history at all and why there are so many members in the r/HistoryMemes subreddit, it "teaches you how to investigate complex, world-shaping events," Reid explained. "It teaches you how to systematically find and analyze evidence. It teaches you how to communicate your ideas. At Coventry University, our students even learn how to make documentaries."

"People who study history become critical thinkers with a powerful analytical toolset and the ability to communicate complex ideas," he added. "Those are incredibly important skills — and they develop them whilst learning about the past and the forces that have shaped our society." 

Reid stressed that studying history is not just about gaining knowledge: "It’s about gaining important skills that can be used to find success in a dizzying array of jobs and careers."

#17

Inspired By A Different Post Made By U/Modshave2muchpower

Inspired By A Different Post Made By U/Modshave2muchpower

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#18

I Love How The Horseshoe Crab Refuses To Evolve

I Love How The Horseshoe Crab Refuses To Evolve

IdiotoftheEast Report

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

I learned recently that modern cats are very similar to ancient cats. Dogs though have evolved quite a bit. From only an evolutionary standpoint, that would suggest that cats evolved humans to better serve them instead of the other way around.

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#19

The Great War Was Just One Big Tragedy

The Great War Was Just One Big Tragedy

Misery_Forever Report

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

War is so sad. Millions of people dying for small increases in land or the fact that one person believes in a different facet of a god. Or in the case of many wars, nothing at all.

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However, with so much information and funny history memes floating around the web, not every historic truth or detail is true. Some might even believe in false facts and bogus theories without actually knowing they are incorrect. Reid explained that we must check our sources. "The internet is an incredible tool, but it is also responsible for producing and disenchanting a lot of bad information."

#23

After One Of Stalin's Speeches People Were So Scared To Be The First One To Stop Clapping That The Applause Went On For 11 Minutes. Eventually The Director Of A Paper Factory Was The First One To Sit Down. That Night He Was Arrested And Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison

After One Of Stalin's Speeches People Were So Scared To Be The First One To Stop Clapping That The Applause Went On For 11 Minutes. Eventually The Director Of A Paper Factory Was The First One To Sit Down. That Night He Was Arrested And Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison

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

They introduced a bell that signaled when it's OK to stop clapping

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#24

The More You Know

The More You Know

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

And over the years, the Dutch has learnt from this and enhanced their wall building skills. They are now able to keep even the sea at bay back home.

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"Don’t take anything for granted," he said. Today, we can find documents, letters, speeches, and many more sources quite quickly, so it’s always important to check how people support their points. "Look to the works of credible scholars to ensure the accuracy of whatever you’ve read or whatever you intend to produce," the lecturer added. 

But for now, let’s return to our selection of Reddit memes on historical events, shall we? There’s still plenty of them on this list for you to check out!

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#26

Sounds Like A Donda Bar

Sounds Like A Donda Bar

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#27

For The Glory Of Rome

For The Glory Of Rome

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Darren R. Reid advised you to be curious and explore the past. "Learn the lessons our ancestors teach us through their words and actions. Learning about the past is one of the best ways to understand why we — all of us — act the way we do."

#28

On October 26 2001, An Entire Country Decided To Wipe Their Ass With Their Own Constitution.

On October 26 2001, An Entire Country Decided To Wipe Their Ass With Their Own Constitution.

charliesfrown Report

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#30

Gotta Respect The Ogs

Gotta Respect The Ogs

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#31

Come On Bruv

Come On Bruv

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

Are you sure you've been laughing for 10 minutes straight? Have you checked the clock?

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#34

Tanegashima Go Bang

Tanegashima Go Bang

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#35

Stock Market Hurts So Bad Rn

Stock Market Hurts So Bad Rn

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chi-wei shen
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the end, Caesar gets free, assembles an army, catches the pirates and has them crucified.

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#36

Who's Ready To Lose A Few Limbs And Earn A Whole Penny?

Who's Ready To Lose A Few Limbs And Earn A Whole Penny?

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#37

Two Cities Famous For History Of Slave Trade

Two Cities Famous For History Of Slave Trade

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

It didn't make sense to me that Prague would be a centre for slave trade - as it's not a coastal city, so I looked it up. Apparently it was - in the dark ages.

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#38

We Need More Chungus

We Need More Chungus

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

Ah yes, he sent me an unsolicited picture of his gaying instrument. I detest receiving pictures of dingwallaces but I have to admit it was the largest corned beef torpedo I've seen in years.

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#40

Guilty Pleasure

Guilty Pleasure

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

pft wishful thinking... those guys are really good at not being conquered. Last successful bunch were the french in 1066.

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Note: this post originally had 130 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.