Many historic rulers have demonstrated the drastic measures they have resorted to in order to protect what they hold dear. However, few have garnered such an infamously cruel and bloodthirsty reputation as Vlad Țepeș, also known as Vlad the Impaler or Vlad III.
Ragnar Lothbrok is the legendary Viking hero and king who, in his final harrowing moments, predicted that his sons would avenge him with the Great Heathen Army. Or did he? Equal parts man and myth, here is what we actually know about Ragnar Lothbrok.
In 897, Pope Stephen VI put his dead predecessor on trial in the infamous Cadaver Synod, sparking a shocking scandal involving political revenge, mutilation, and a dramatic papal downfall.
Evel Knievel survived terrifying motorcycle crashes and became an American legend, but a brutal 1977 baseball bat assault destroyed his reputation, cost him millions, and derailed his career.
Denzel Washington brought the heartbreaking story of Rubin Carter to moviegoers in 1999. But before that could happen, Carter had to actually live through the horrendous ordeal portrayed in the film. Carter was a middleweight boxer who found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. A flawed system put Carter behind bars for something he did not commit.
In the 1970s, Lee Radziwill was due to walk down the aisle and marry businessman Newton Cope. Then, Lee’s sister Jackie Kennedy phoned up the groom—and her one call destroyed everything.
Lavinia Warren was the 19th-century proportional little person who lived largely—and very lavishly. Despite being small in stature, she was huge in stardom. From her humble beginnings as a school teacher to her worldwide fame as one-half of a petite power couple, Warren did it all.
Royal brides were sent across Europe to marry strangers for alliances, heirs, and power. Some found lasting partnerships, while others endured disastrous marriages that changed history forever.
These famous names became permanently associated with things that didn't happen quite the popular history remembers them.
If you like humaverse you may also consider subscribing to these newsletters:
