10 Interesting Facts About History

Back to: History Primary 1

Hello, my brilliant Afrilearn superstar! How are you today? I hope you are ready for another exciting lesson. Today, we are going to learn some amazing and surprising facts about history. These are things that will make you say, “Wow, I didn’t know that!” Let’s begin!

10 Interesting Facts About History

History is full of interesting stories, surprising events, and amazing discoveries. Some things that happened a long time ago still affect our world today. Did you know that some of the things we use every day, like writing and money, were invented thousands of years ago? History is not just about old things—it helps us understand how we got to where we are today.

Now, let’s look at ten amazing facts about history that will make you love learning even more!

1. The First Writing System
   A long time ago, people didn’t have books or pens. The first known writing system was called cuneiform, created by the Sumerians in Mesopotamia (now Iraq) over 5,000 years ago! They wrote on clay tablets using sharp sticks.

2. The Great Pyramid of Giza is Over 4,500 Years Old
   The Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt is one of the oldest and most famous buildings in the world. It was built around 2560 BC and is still standing today. The stones used to build it are so heavy that even modern machines would struggle to lift them!

3. Nigeria’s Ancient City of Benin Had One of the Longest Walls in the World
   Did you know that the ancient city of Benin, in present-day Nigeria, had walls longer than the Great Wall of China? The Benin Walls were built to protect the city and were made of earth. Sadly, they were destroyed by British forces in 1897.

4. The First Money Was Not Paper or Coins
   Before people used paper money or coins, they traded things like cowries (sea shells), salt, and even animals! In Nigeria, cowries were once used as money before coins and notes were introduced.

5. Some People in Ancient Egypt Shaved Their Heads and Wore Wigs
   In ancient Egypt, men and women often shaved their heads to stay cool in the hot weather. Instead of hair, they wore wigs made of wool or palm fibres!

6. Nigeria’s Oldest Kingdom is Over 1,000 Years Old
   The Nok civilisation, which existed in Nigeria over 2,500 years ago, is one of the oldest in West Africa. The people of Nok made beautiful sculptures and were among the first in Africa to use iron tools.

7. The First Olympic Games Were Held Over 2,700 Years Ago
   The first Olympic Games were held in Greece in 776 BC. Back then, only men could compete, and they had to run, jump, and wrestle—without wearing clothes! Today, the Olympics are one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

8. The Internet is Older Than Some Young Adults Today
   The internet was invented in 1983, but it became popular in the 1990s. Today, we use it for everything—learning, chatting, shopping, and even watching videos! Imagine life without the internet—how would you send messages to your friends?

9. The Tallest Man in History Was Over 8 Feet Tall
   The tallest person ever recorded was Robert Wadlow, who was born in 1918. He grew to 8 feet 11 inches (2.72 metres) tall! He was so tall that he needed special clothes and shoes.

10. There Was a Time When Nigeria Was Made Up of Many Kingdoms
    Before Nigeria became one country, it was made up of many different kingdoms and empires, like the Oyo Empire, Benin Kingdom, and Kanem-Bornu Empire. Each had its own leaders, traditions, and way of life.
    

Conclusion:
History is full of surprising and interesting facts! From ancient writing to tall pyramids and powerful kingdoms, history helps us understand how the world has changed over time. The more we learn about history, the more we understand how things came to be.

Evaluation:

1. What was the first known writing system called?
2. Which Nigerian kingdom had one of the longest walls in the world?
3. What did ancient Egyptians wear on their heads instead of hair?
4. When were the first Olympic Games held?
5. What was once used as money in Nigeria before coins and notes?

Wow! You have learned so many amazing things today! Always remember that history is full of exciting stories waiting for you to discover. Keep being curious, keep asking questions, and keep shining bright with Afrilearn. See you in our next lesson!

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