Really, we’d like to imagine history as a series of separate events, neatly organized into different timelines. However, it’s not usually that tidy. In fact, the things you’d never think could possibly happen at the same time actually did! Here are eleven moments in history that, surprisingly, happened around the same time, or near enough anyway. You’ll look at the past in a whole new way because history is truly quite messy.
Featured Image Credit: 9nong /Depositphotos.com.
The Wright Brothers’ First Flight and Ford Hitting the Road (1903)
Before 1903, cars & airplanes were just… not a thing. While the Wright brothers were busy showing off at Kitty Hawk and proving that humans could actually fly, Henry Ford was putting the final touches on the 1903 Model A. How strange is that?! People went from riding horses to planning road trips & booking flights in the span of a single year. And then 60 years later, they’d be on the moon!
The Guillotine’s Final Act and Star Wars’ Debut (1977)
Really, 1977 was one crazy year. In France, the guillotine made its final appearance and closed the chapter on a rather grim method of execution. At the same time, over in movie theaters, “Star Wars” began its journey to becoming a cultural phenomenon. Guillotines and Darth Vader in the same year—1977 had it all.
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The Great Pyramid of Giza and Woolly Mammoths Share a Timeline (Around 2580-2560 BC)
Further back in history, when the Great Pyramid of Giza was being built, there were still woolly mammoths walking around. Yes, really! The ancient Egyptians could have met woolly mammoths as they built one of the most impressive structures on Earth. Well, in theory. Most woolly mammoths didn’t travel down as far as Egypt—but the Egyptians could’ve heard about them from travelers!
Anne Frank and Martin Luther King Jr. Were Born in the Same Year (1929)
1929 gave us two of the most influential figures of the 20th century—Anne Frank and Martin Luther King Jr. They were born in the same year but in very different parts of the world and went on to inspire millions with their words & courage. Even though we think of them as being from different periods, one thing’s true about them. They showed us the importance of fighting for freedom.
The Suez Canal Opens Up as “War and Peace” Hits the Shelves (1869)
In 1869, the Egyptians unveiled the Suez Canal and completely changed international trade & travel. At the same time, Leo Tolstoy rolled out “War and Peace.” The novel would become one of literature’s greatest achievements. As such, someone could’ve read the Russian epic as they crossed the Suez Canal for the first time!
Shakespeare and Cervantes Say Goodbye (1616)
In 1616, the literary world faced a double whammy as William Shakespeare & Miguel de Cervantes passed away. Though the two literature geniuses never met and wrote in different languages, their deaths were significant historical events. Sadly, the world lost two of its greatest storytellers at the same time. It was a huge loss for culture.
Coca-Cola Hits the Scene and the Statue of Liberty Stands Tall (1886)
While the US celebrated the Statue of Liberty’s debut in 1886, John Pemberton was in his lab working on another American masterpiece. What was it? Coca-Cola! As Lady Liberty became a symbol of what America stands for, the other was on its way to becoming a pop culture icon. It’s funny how things work out!
Winter Olympics Kickoff and King Tut’s Tomb Cracked Open (1924)
In 1924, athletes in Chamonix, France, hit the snow & ice for the very first Winter Olympics. But that’s not all. Down in Egypt, Howard Carter uncovered King Tut’s tomb and made one of the biggest archaeological finds ever. Even though these events were so different from each other, they were both a way of celebrating the past.
MTV Launches and Space Shuttle Columbia Soars (1981)
1981 was the year everything became more exciting as MTV aired for the first time, airing music videos 24/7 and changing the music industry forever. However, NASA isn’t one to be outdone! In the same year, they sent the Space Shuttle Columbia out on its maiden voyage and this pushed boundaries in a completely different way.
The Original “Jurassic Park” Roars to Life and the European Union Gets Going (1993)
1993 brought us “Jurassic Park” and its special effects that are still mind-blowing to this day. It was also in 1993 that the European Union officially became established with the Maastricht Treaty. As such, people got their dino-fix just as Europe laid down the tracks for more unity & cooperation. It was a mix of the past and future in all the best ways!
The American Civil War Begins and Italy Unites (1861)
1861 was a difficult year for many countries—namely America and Italy. This year marked the beginning of the American Civil War, while Italy finally came together as one nation. Either way, both countries dealt with a lot of fighting and fussing. Honestly, it’s quite strange. As one country was being torn apart, another was coming together!
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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