When you think of the Colosseum, you might picture gladiators clashing swords, but the arena also hosted a parade of blood‑soaked animal spectacles that were downright cruel unusual. The bestiari—men forced to battle exotic beasts—were only the tip of the iceberg. Below are ten shocking details that history books often skim over.

Cruel Unusual Realities of Roman Beast Hunts

10 The Suicides

Some of the men thrust into the arena were seasoned fighters who chose the role as a career, but most were unarmed criminals or captured soldiers tossed in with barely a weapon to their name. The terror of facing snarling lions, bears or boars drove many to desperate measures. One German prisoner, for instance, choked himself on a lavatory sponge—yes, the very thing used to wipe anuses. Another grim episode involved 29 Saxon prisoners who strangled each other to avoid the beasts, a macabre pact that ended with the last survivor meeting an equally grim fate.

9 The Fighting Killed Off Whole Species

The sheer scale of slaughter at the Colosseum decimated wildlife across the Mediterranean. Roman hunts are blamed for wiping entire populations of lions, jaguars and tigers from the region. After a single series of games that saw 9,000 animals killed, the hippopotamus vanished from the Nile, and the once‑common North African elephant disappeared from the earth entirely.

8 Few Bestiari Ever Survived

Because most bestiari were prisoners, they rarely had the tools or training to dispatch a raging beast. The philosopher Strabo tells of a hapless captive first slated to die by a boar. When the boar accidentally gored its handler, the guards were forced to replace it with a bear—only for the bear to refuse leaving its cage. Finally, a caged leopard was released and promptly tore the prisoner’s throat. Luck, it seems, was a foreign concept in the arena.

7 Commodus And The Ostriches

Emperor Commodus, immortalized by Joaquin Phoenix in Gladiator, delighted in animal carnage. Legend claims he killed over 100 bears in a single day, likely by stabbing them while they were tethered. Yet his true claim to fame was archery: he allegedly decapitated sprinting ostriches with crescent‑shaped arrows, then hurled the severed heads at the crowd—or even his own senate—as a chilling display of madness.

6 Elephants Crushed Deserters

The punishment known as damnatio ad bestias—condemnation by wild beasts—often left victims defenseless. The earliest recorded case in 167 BC saw Aemilius Paullus order a group of army deserters to be crushed beneath a herd of elephants. The gruesome spectacle proved so popular that Romans began watching animal executions every morning before the afternoon’s gladiatorial bouts.

5 Public Hunts

Occasionally the general public got a taste of the hunt. Around 280 AD, Emperor Probus transformed the Circus Maximus into a massive forest, releasing hundreds of ibexes, sheep, ostriches and other beasts. Spectators were then allowed to roam the “forest” and hunt for sport, keeping whatever they captured. The next day, unsatisfied, Probus ordered 400 lions and 300 bears slaughtered.

4 Orpheus Against The Bears

Legend says Orpheus could charm any creature with his lyre. Romans tried to reenact this myth by dressing condemned criminals as Orpheus, handing them lyres, and throwing them into arenas packed with angry bears—often starved or beaten. Some variations even crucified the “Orpheus” before the bear encounter. Unsurprisingly, the outcome was predictably brutal.

3 Carpophorus’s Rape Giraffes

Among the professional hunters, or venatores, Carpophorus stood out. He could kill 20 beasts in a day, some by strangulation. More disturbingly, he allegedly trained giraffes—and other animals—to assault women. By collecting scent samples from females in heat, he allegedly aroused male animals, then forced them onto slaves or homeless women in the arena. These twisted displays aimed to dramatize myths where Zeus assumed animal forms to ravish mortals.

2 Prolific Killer Animals

Romans didn’t always pamper their beasts; many were killed after each show to save on feeding costs. Yet some animals became legends. Cicero recorded a lion that slaughtered 200 men before finally being felled. In another episode, 18 elephants, initially meant to be dispatched by darts, broke through a fence and stormed the crowd, prompting Romans to dig a deep trench to separate arena and spectators thereafter.

1 No Animals Had To Die

Perhaps the most paradoxical cruelty was that many of these animals never needed to die for the crowd’s amusement. Trained elephants performed dances, bows and tricks, delighting spectators who actually booed when the gentle giants were slain. Crocodiles lounging in water, leopards pacing in a straight line, or any exotic creature simply existing proved enough to captivate Romans—as if the arena were an early zoo. Yet the Romans chose to add bloodshed for extra spectacle.

Architectural norms act as a safety net and a design playbook for architects, but every once in a while a visionary decides to toss the rulebook out the window. The result? Ten unusual buildings that push the envelope, delight the senses, and become instant landmarks. Below, we tour each of these daring creations, from a warped Polish house to a soaring bridge in Jerusalem.

10 Unusual Buildings: A Quick Overview

10 Crooked House: An Architectural Marvel

Nestled in the seaside town of Sopot, Poland, the Crooked House—known locally as Krzywy Domek—stands as a whimsical rebellion against conventional geometry. Designed by the duo Szotyńscy & Zaleski and completed in 2004, its undulating façade looks as if it were plucked straight from a Salvador Dalí canvas, with warped walls, asymmetrical windows, and a roofline that seems to sway in a perpetual breeze.

Bringing such a fanciful vision to life was no small feat. The architects blended steel framing with reinforced concrete to guarantee structural integrity while preserving the building’s distorted silhouette. Today, the Crooked House buzzes with life, housing cafés, boutique shops, and entertainment venues, and it continues to enchant visitors who marvel at its surreal, fairy‑tale charm.

9 The Big Basket: A Woven Wonder

Rising like a colossal tote in Newark, Ohio, the Longaberger Big Basket is an iconic tribute to handcrafted basketry. Conceived by the Longaberger Company as its corporate headquarters, the seven‑story structure stretches 160 feet (48.8 m) in length and 90 feet (27.4 m) in width, with a stucco and steel shell cloaked in glazed‑tile panels that mimic woven fibers.

Inside, visitors discover a soaring atrium shaped like the basket’s interior and a 30‑foot wooden replica that reinforces the theme. Though the building has weathered financial setbacks and maintenance challenges, preservation efforts are underway to keep this basket‑shaped marvel standing for future generations to explore.

8 Stone House: A Natural Marvel

Hidden in the rugged landscape of Fafe, Portugal, the Stone House—Casa do Penedo—appears to emerge organically from a massive boulder. Designed by Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto de Moura and finished in 1974, the dwelling is literally carved into the rock, marrying human craftsmanship with the raw elegance of the stone itself.

By integrating the existing formation into the floor plan, the house minimizes its environmental footprint while offering occupants a unique sense of place. Today, tourists flock to the site to soak in the seamless blend of architecture and nature, and the Stone House serves as a beacon for designs that champion ecological harmony.

7 The Huainan Piano Building: A Melodic Masterpiece

In Huainan, China, a pair of colossal musical instruments dominate the skyline: the Piano Building and its companion Violin Building. Completed in 2007 by the Huainan Fangkai Decoration Project, the piano‑shaped structure houses two concert halls, while the violin‑shaped wing accommodates escalators and staircases, paying homage to the region’s cultural heritage.

Nicknamed the “Most Romantic Building in China,” the site has become a favorite backdrop for couples’ wedding photos, as the grand piano and violin provide an unforgettable stage for romantic snapshots. Its blend of architecture and music has turned the complex into a cultural icon, drawing both art lovers and curious travelers.

6 Dancing House: A Playful Architectural Dance

Set along Prague’s Vltava River, the Dancing House—locally Tancíci Dům—offers a visual choreography of steel and glass. Conceived by Vlado Milunić in partnership with Frank Gehry and completed in 1996, the building’s fluid silhouette appears to sway, challenging the static expectations of traditional urban architecture.

Initially met with controversy for its stark contrast to Prague’s historic skyline, the structure eventually won over locals and tourists alike, becoming a cherished part of the city’s cultural fabric. The Dancing House reminds us that architecture can be both thought‑provoking and exuberantly joyous.

5 Down House: A Whimsical Inversion

Ever wanted to see the world from a topsy‑turvy perspective? In Szymbark, Poland, the Upside‑Down House delivers that exact experience. Designed by philanthropist Daniel Czapiewski and completed in 2007, the house is an optical illusion that flips the conventional layout—roof becomes floor, furniture hangs from what would normally be the ceiling, and every room defies gravity.

Visitors enter through what appears to be the roof, only to discover a bewildering interior where everyday objects cling to the ceiling. The attraction offers a playful, immersive adventure that leaves guests with a fresh (and sometimes dizzying) perspective on everyday reality.

4 Cube House: A Geometric Enigma

Rotterdam’s skyline is punctuated by a cluster of 18 cubic dwellings known as the Kubuswoningen. Designed by Piet Blom in 1977, each cube tilts at a daring 45‑degree angle, giving the impression that gravity itself has been challenged. The concept was meant to simulate a forest of trees, with each cube representing a tree within a city‑wide village.The angled design maximizes interior space, offering residents an unconventional view of urban living. These geometric marvels continue to intrigue architects and city planners, encouraging fresh approaches to dense, modern habitats.

3 Container City: A Sustainable Urban Solution

Responding to the push for greener construction, London’s Container City project repurposes discarded shipping containers into flexible, modular spaces. Initiated by Urban Space Management in 2001, the concept transforms steel boxes into offices, homes, and even classrooms, dramatically cutting waste and construction time.

Since its launch, the modular containers have been customized for a range of uses, including a 12‑classroom container school at Tower Hamlets College. The initiative showcases how adaptive reuse can foster resource‑efficient urban development, proving that creativity and sustainability can coexist.

2 The Bubble Palace: A Futuristic Chateau

Perched on the cliffs of Théoule‑sur‑Mer near Cannes, France, the Bubble Palace—Palais Bulles—stands as a fantastical collection of interlocking domes. Designed by Hungarian architect Antti Lovag in 1989 for industrialist Pierre Bernard, the residence later became the private retreat of fashion legend Pierre Cardin, who transformed it into an exclusive event venue.

The palace boasts an extravagant array of amenities: a panoramic lounge, a 500‑seat open‑air amphitheater, ten bedrooms, multiple swimming pools, and a total of 29 rooms and 11 bathrooms, each curated by a different artist. Its bold, curvilinear forms have cemented its status as a contemporary architectural icon.

After Cardin’s death in 2020, the property was listed for sale in 2021 with an asking price of €350 million, underscoring its rarity and allure in the world of avant‑garde design.

1 The Chords Bridge: A Harmonious Connection

Bridges are the arteries of a city, and Jerusalem’s Chords Bridge—Gesher HaMeitarim—takes that role to an artistic extreme. Completed in 2008 by famed architect Santiago Calatrava, the cable‑stayed bridge resembles a giant harp, its sleek white pylon soaring above the landscape like a musical string.

Carrying both the Jerusalem Light Rail and pedestrians, the bridge blends engineering precision with sculptural elegance, proving that even utilitarian structures can become soaring works of art that enrich the urban environment.

The seemingly simple sense of taste is anything but clear‑cut, and our top 10 unusual facts will prove just how wild the flavor world can get. Modern science still can’t untangle every twist of this sense, and the biology behind it is so persuasive that marketers can literally fool our tongues with a few clever hints.

10 Expensive Wine Tastes Better

Certain pieces of information can dramatically tilt a person’s perception of what they’re actually sipping. In a clever marketing experiment, researchers tricked volunteers into believing they were sampling an array of pricey wines, and the brain happily obliged.

Back in 2015, participants were told they would taste five bottles ranging from £3 to £55 each. In reality, they only received three different wines, each presented under two price tags. The unsuspecting tasters were none the wiser.

Because they assumed they were drinking a high‑end vintage, the volunteers reported, and even physically reacted, as if the liquid were refined and exquisite. Their expectations rewired the neurological chemistry, making the cheap slop taste luxurious. The brain simply molded the flavor experience to match the perceived value.

Price wasn’t the only sneaky factor. Researchers also found that people paid more for a heavier bottle, and that the same alcoholic beverage seemed tastier when served in a weighty glass. The mind links heft with quality, so the heftier the container, the richer the sip feels.

9 The Bloody Mary Mystery

In 2013, Germany’s Lufthansa noticed a quirky trend aboard its flights: passengers suddenly craved tomato juice at cruising altitude. The airline ended up serving roughly 1.8 million litres (about 476 000 gal) of the red drink each year, making the Bloody Mary as popular as a cold beer.

To investigate, researchers gathered volunteers inside a grounded Airbus A310. When the drinks were served under normal, ground‑level conditions, passengers described the concoction as “musty.” Yet, when the same beverage was presented under simulated flight conditions—noise, lower humidity, and cabin pressure—the reaction flipped, with many calling it “pleasantly fruity.”

The culprit behind this aerial appetite is umami, the fifth basic taste. The other four—sweet, salty, sour, and bitter—are easily dulled by the noisy, dry, pressurized environment of a plane, but umami thrives, amplifying savory flavors like tomato.

Thus, the high‑altitude love affair with Bloody Marys can be traced back to the unique way our taste buds respond to umami when everything else is muted. The same factors that make airline food notoriously bland also elevate the savory punch of tomato juice at 30 000 feet.

8 Taste Can Improve Depression Treatment

The ability to taste is tightly interwoven with our emotional state. When anxiety or depression take hold, they can dull the senses, making flavors seem muted. Studies show that people suffering from the blues often struggle to recognize the fattiness of a snack or even the richness of milk, which can lead to misguided comfort‑eating.

Interestingly, the very act of tasting might help clinicians tailor more effective treatments for those battling depression or anxiety. In a controlled trial, healthy volunteers who were administered antidepressants—drugs that contain specific neurotransmitters—showed heightened sensitivity to bitterness, sucrose sweetness, and sourness.

This suggests that a chemical imbalance in the brain can also manifest in the taste buds. Those whose muted palate stems from emotional turmoil may benefit more from medication, whereas individuals who still enjoy a flavor‑packed lunch might respond better to talk therapy.

In short, a simple taste test could serve as a diagnostic tool, preventing some patients from missing out on needed medication while sparing others from unnecessary prescriptions. Remarkably, the antidepressants acted on taste‑bud receptors long before they reached the brain.

7 Battle Of The Sixth Flavor

For decades, scientists insisted that the human palate could only discern four basic flavors. The discovery of umami shattered that notion, and now a handful of researchers argue that there may be a sixth—and perhaps even a seventh—taste awaiting recognition.

Laboratory mice possess two distinct receptors for calcium, and one of these receptors also exists on human tongues, though its link to the chalky sensation remains unproven. Japanese investigators propose that the calcium receptor underlies a flavor called kokumi, described as “heartiness.” They claim that compounds in yeast and milt amplify existing flavors, though Western scientists have yet to experience this taste firsthand.

Beyond calcium, scientists have identified piquance (the burning sensation of chili) and coolness (the chilled feeling of menthol) as sensations that trick the brain into sensing temperature rather than taste. Some even argue that fat itself might be a distinct flavor, while others suggest a metallic taste—dubbed “metallicity”—could be a separate category.

The most compelling candidate for a new taste is carbon dioxide. This gas gives soda its fizz, and in mice, taste cells equipped with the enzyme carbonic anhydrase 4 can detect CO₂. Mountain climbers who take acetazolamide, a drug that blocks this enzyme, often report flat‑tasting fizzy drinks, hinting that the ability to taste CO₂ can be chemically disabled.

6 The Unusual Tasters

While most people share a broadly similar palate, a fascinating minority experience taste in wildly different ways. The majority of the population falls into a common group that detects the five basic tastes with comparable intensity, but outliers break the mold.

Some individuals are “thermal tasters,” perceiving cold foods as sour and hot foods as sweet. Others carry a genetic sensitivity to coriander, describing its flavor as reminiscent of soap. These quirks illustrate how genetics can dramatically reshape flavor perception.

At the opposite ends of the spectrum are “nontasters,” who possess fewer taste buds and find food bland, and “supertasters,” who boast roughly twice the average number of taste buds. Supertasters are especially sensitive to bitterness, which can make certain vegetables, like broccoli, virtually inedible, while they also relish sweeter sugars and saltier salts.

Oddly, even though salt is a potent flavor, many supertasters crave more of it. Researchers suspect this paradox arises because salt can mute bitterness, prompting supertasters to seek extra salt to balance their heightened taste experience.

5 The Taste Of Water

Most of us assume water is flavorless, attributing any taste to contaminants or the container it’s poured from. Yet scientists remain divided on whether truly pure water lacks any gustatory character, especially since many animal species seem to detect it with gusto.

Given that water is essential for survival, it makes evolutionary sense for organisms to have mechanisms to identify it via smell and taste. Indeed, water‑detecting cells have been identified in amphibians and insects, and there are hints that similar receptors could exist in mammals.

When an animal feels thirsty, the brain’s hypothalamus triggers the sensation and later signals when enough fluid has been consumed. Intriguingly, most animals stop drinking well before the gut sends fullness signals to the brain.

The most plausible explanation is that the mouth and tongue themselves send messages to the brain, implying that taste buds must somehow register water. Human cortical activity even appears to respond specifically to water, but researchers still know very little about how these signals travel from the mouth and throat to the brain.

4 Intestines Have Taste Buds

It may sound unbelievable, but the human intestines are lined with taste receptors. While these gut buds differ from those on the tongue, they perform an essential role in the digestive process.

Unlike tongue taste buds, which inform the brain about what’s entering the mouth and decide whether to swallow, intestinal taste buds detect flavors after the food has passed beyond the oral cavity. They don’t let you “taste” a meal inside the gut, but their reactions influence hunger and satiety signals.

When the brain “tastes” something in the gut, it triggers the release of hormones that regulate energy processing, helping to keep blood‑sugar levels stable. In this way, gut taste receptors act as internal monitors that help balance metabolism.

If these intestinal receptors malfunction, they can contribute to weight gain, disrupt glucose absorption, and potentially worsen type 2 diabetes. Future research into gut taste buds could unlock new strategies for controlling blood sugar and combating obesity.

3 The Flavor‑Bending Berry

Hidden in West Africa, a tiny red berry—known as the “miracle berry”—has the uncanny ability to turn vinegar and other sour foods into a sweet, honey‑like treat. Ironically, the berry itself tastes almost bland, but once you eat it, you’ll never fear another lemon again.

The secret lies in a protein called miraculin, which coats the tongue’s sweet receptors. When the mouth is neutral, miraculin blocks other sweeteners from binding, effectively deadening the tongue’s own sweetness perception.

However, when an acidic food is introduced, the protein hijacks a few protons, reshaping itself and dramatically altering the sweet receptors. The result is a supersensitive sweet response that can transform sour lemons into sugary delights.

This magical effect isn’t unique to miracle berries. The Malaysian lumbah plant produces a different protein, neoculin, which achieves the same outcome via an entirely distinct molecular pathway. Both proteins latch onto separate parts of the sweet receptors yet produce the identical flavor‑bending phenomenon.

2 Virtual Flavors

Scientists have recently teamed up with elderly individuals and patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy—both of which can severely diminish taste perception. To combat this loss, researchers engineered smart cutlery that can virtually amplify or modify flavors during a meal.

One innovation is a cup that lets users dial the intensity of sourness up or down, while a high‑tech spoon can generate or supplement flavors on the fly. By pressing a button on the spoon’s handle, diners can adjust bitterness, saltiness, or sweetness of each bite in real time.

The devices work by delivering tiny electrical pulses via silver electrodes that stimulate taste buds directly, effectively “zapping” the tongue to enhance or restore flavor sensations during eating or drinking.

Beyond helping seniors and cancer patients enjoy food again, this technology hints at a future where virtual reality environments could offer digital nachos that you can actually taste, merging the sensory worlds of sight, sound, and flavor.

1 People Who Taste Words

It may sound like pure fiction, but a rare group of individuals can literally taste words. These people are known as synesthetes, and they experience a blending of senses—such as vision and hearing, or touch and taste.

The most uncommon among them are language tasters. In experiments, these synesthetes reported distinct flavors for the names of objects they had never seen. When called back months later, they could accurately recall the flavor associated with each word, a feat that non‑synesthetic participants failed to achieve.

Even everyday words can trigger taste sensations: the word “mint,” for example, reliably evokes a minty flavor for many synesthetes. Researchers discovered that it’s not the meaning of the word but certain sounds within it that activate taste receptors.

The underlying cause of this cross‑modal perception remains a mystery. One theory suggests that everyone is born with fully connected sensory regions in the brain, and as we age, these connections prune away. In synesthetes, the pruning process may never fully complete, leaving lingering links between language and taste.

Our top 10 unusual facts about taste reveal just how intricate and surprising this sense truly is. From wine that tastes better because of its price tag to berries that rewrite sour into sweet, the world of flavor is far more adventurous than you might imagine.

When you think of a pub, you probably picture a cozy street corner or a bustling city block. But the reality is far more adventurous—there are 10 pubs located in some of the most astonishing places on the planet. From washing machines to the icy wastes of Antarctica, these drinking spots prove that a good pint can be enjoyed virtually anywhere.

10 pubs located in Unexpected Spots

10 Wasbar: A Bar in a Laundromat

Wasbar is a Belgian franchise that cleverly merges a laundromat with a full‑service bar and restaurant. It caters to anyone who despises the idle wait while their clothes spin, offering a place to snack, sip, and socialize while the machines hum. Each washer costs €6 (about $6.50) per cycle, while dryers run at €3 (roughly $3.25).

The menu spans breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring pancakes, bagels, salads, and more. Drink options range from coffee and fresh juices to beer and crafted cocktails. The Ghent location also houses a hair salon, letting patrons wash, style, and enjoy a cocktail all under one roof.

9 Floating Bar and Restaurant Lamu: A Bar in the Indian Ocean

While floating pubs on boats are fairly common, a fully‑stationary floating building is a rarity. The Floating Bar and Restaurant Lamu drifts between Kenya’s Lamu Island and Manda Island, perched on a platform that rides atop 200 pressurised barrels. Its modest structures have proper walls and roofs, giving the feel of a conventional bar despite the gentle sway.

Alcohol isn’t a staple of the local Muslim community, yet tourists seeking a drink can hop aboard. Owner Frida Njogu loves meeting people from all walks of life each day. With no electricity on board, drinks are kept cool in ice‑filled coolers, and the menu boasts an abundance of fresh seafood.

8 Cahoots: A Bar in an Underground Air Raid Shelter

During the bombings of WWI and WWII, Londoners found refuge in the underground tube network. In 2015, one of those disused shelters—Kingly Court Underground Station—was transformed into Cahoots, a 1940s‑themed speakeasy. The venue comprises three distinct spaces, the star of which is the “Underground,” a subterranean area complete with a life‑size tube carriage.

Patrons can order era‑inspired concoctions like “Dig for Victory,” “Uncle Sam’s Snack Box,” and “Keep Marm and Carry On.” For a deeper dive into the period, every Saturday hosts the Black Market Knees‑Up, featuring rations, live entertainment, games, and a quiz alongside the drinks.

7 Alux Restaurant & Lounge: A Bar in a Cave

Alux Restaurant & Lounge in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, takes the underground bar concept to the next level by being built inside a natural cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. The dim, moody ambience is brightened by vivid pink, green, and blue lighting that accentuates the rock formations.

The venue isn’t limited to a single cavern; it also offers private “VIP Vault” caves for those craving a more intimate setting. Diners should keep an eye out for the resident bats, which occasionally swoop down and cause a bit of mischief with meals and drinks.

6 The Fenn Bell Inn: A Zoo Pub

The Fenn Bell Inn in Kent, England, doubles as a pub and a fully‑licensed zoo. Owners Andy and Kelly Cowell acquired the establishment in 2014 and soon filled the adjoining land with rescued animals. “We took in pets people didn’t want, and we got visitors coming around to see them all,” Andy explained to The Mirror.

Starting with two pigs named Ginger and Spice, the couple expanded the menagerie and secured a zoo licence in 2017, allowing them to legally keep any animal they can care for. While elephants and giraffes are out of reach due to space constraints, the inn is home to parrots, monkeys, lemurs, meerkats, and more. The pub’s profits help cover animal upkeep, but strict safety rules mean patrons can’t simultaneously hold a pint and pet a lemur.

5 The William Creek Hotel: A Pub in the Australian Outback

The Australian Outback is famed for its vast, arid stretches and sparse population. Yet scattered across this desert are isolated pubs that serve as crucial waypoints for travelers needing water, food, and fuel. One such oasis is the William Creek Hotel Bar, perched on the Oodnadatta Track near Lake Eyre.

Owner Trevor Wright notes, “For up to 400 k’s [roughly 250 miles] around this place, this is considered the local.” Other remote outposts include the Birdsville Hotel on the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival Trail and the Mt. Dare Hotel on the western edge of the Simpson Desert. If you ever find yourself baking under the Outback sun, a cold pint is never more than a few hundred miles away.

4 The Yeoman Warders Club: The Exclusive Pub in the Tower of London

While many elite bars cater to celebrities and high‑rollers, the Yeoman Warders Club—also known as The Keys—is reserved for a very specific crowd. Nestled inside the Tower of London, this private pub serves only the Tower’s ceremonial guards, the Yeoman Warders (or Beefeaters), and their invited guests.

To become a Yeoman Warder, one must have served at least 22 years in the armed forces—army, navy, marines, or air force—and earned a medal for good conduct. Those without the credentials can still enjoy a drink by tagging along with a Beefeater. The bar showcases Yeoman Warder uniforms and offers a few exclusive beers on tap, but otherwise functions like any classic English pub.

3 El Avión Restaurant and Bar: A Bar in a Grounded Airplane

The centerpiece of El Avión Restaurant and Bar in Costa Rica is a Fairchild C‑123 Provider cargo plane with a colorful past. Bought by the CIA during the 1980s Iran‑Contra scandal, the aircraft was abandoned after its sister plane was shot down. The plane lingered at San José Mineta International Airport until 2000, when the owners of El Avión purchased and relocated it to Puntarenas Province.

A canopy now shelters the aircraft, allowing diners to enjoy meals and ocean views while the plane’s fuselage houses a fully stocked bar. Guests can sip margaritas, beers, cocktails, and wine, and even sit in the cockpit for a truly unforgettable experience.

2 Faraday Bar: A Bar in the Antarctic

Antarctica isn’t known for nightlife, yet the Vernadsky Research Base on Galindez Island hosts the Faraday Bar. Built by carpenter Keith “Cat” Larratt for British researchers, the bar was meant “to bring laughter and a feeling of warmth to what was the most miserable and unloved base in the Antarctic.”

When the British withdrew in 1996, Ukrainian scientists took over, purchasing the bar for a symbolic £1 (about $1.25). There’s no dedicated bartender; staff members rotate shifts behind the counter. Because supply ships arrive only once a year, the crew distils their own vodka, making Faraday not only one of the world’s most remote pubs but also a remote distillery.

1 Neptune Bar: A Bar on an Unpopulated Island

Pulau Sikeling, an uninhabited Indonesian island, would normally be devoid of any amenities—until the annual Neptune Regatta arrives each Chinese New Year. Hundreds of sailors converge on the island, bringing everything they need: beer, rum, ice, cups, and food.

For a few days, a rundown shack transforms into the Neptune Bar, a lively spot where competitors and guests mingle over drinks. The island’s only other structures are basic kitchen facilities and a handful of huts for sleeping. To enjoy a tipple here, you must either race in the regatta or charter a boat to the remote shore.

The world of archaeology is full of skeletons that tell tales of war, disease, and everyday life, but the truly fascinating stories come from the oddball and unexpected discoveries that bridge millennia. In this top 10 unusual roundup we’ll travel from a Mesolithic Greek girl to a pirate graveyard, a phantom‑like mummy to a six‑inch human, uncovering the bizarre details that make each find unforgettable.

10 Girl From Dawn Of Civilization

Theopetra Cave, nestled in central Greece, has yielded artifacts spanning many eras. In 1993, archaeologists uncovered the remains of a teenage girl dating to around 7000 BC, squarely within the Mesolithic period that many consider the true dawn of civilization.

She was christened Avgi—Greek for “Dawn”—and her bones paint a grim portrait of a life plagued by health woes. Avgi, aged roughly fifteen to eighteen at death, suffered from anemia, chronic malnutrition, and likely scurvy, all of which left her skeletal record in a fragile state.

Beyond the obvious ailments, her skeleton revealed severe joint degeneration, especially in the hips, which would have hampered her mobility. A pronounced jutting jaw suggested she may have habitually chewed hides to produce leather, a demanding task for a young person.

In 2018, the Acropolis Museum commissioned a facial reconstruction, deliberately giving her an angry expression—one expert quipped that “it’s impossible for her not to be angry during such an era.”

9 First Mayan Dog Breeders

In 2018 the Smithsonian announced a breakthrough: the first solid evidence that the ancient Maya practiced controlled breeding of dogs. The clue lay hidden in teeth and the remnants of corn.

Earlier excavations at Ceibal, a long‑occupied Maya city in Guatemala, had amassed animal bones—including those of turkeys, dogs, large cats, and deer—dating from roughly 700 to 350 BC.

Researchers turned to dental strontium signatures, a chemical fingerprint that reveals where an animal sourced its diet. By analyzing these signatures they could differentiate domesticated, corn‑fed animals from wild foragers.

The study found that every dog, two turkeys, and at least one big cat (either a puma or jaguar) bore the hallmarks of a corn‑based diet, indicating they were raised by humans. The deer showed no such evidence of domestication.

Perhaps most astonishing was the dental “signature” on several dogs, which indicated they originated from regions outside Ceibal, implying they were imported for ceremonial purposes rather than being locally born.

8 A Giant Pharaoh

King Sa‑Nakht would be considered a regular‑sized man today, but 4,700 years ago his height of 187 cm (about 6 ft 2 in) made him tower over his contemporaries.

His remains were unearthed in an elite desert tomb in 1901 and have been dated to roughly 2700–2575 BC. The extraordinary stature, coupled with distinctive facial features, led scholars to associate the skeleton with the enigmatic ruler Sa‑Nakht.

Medical analysis suggests Sa‑Nakht suffered from acromegaly, a condition caused by excess growth hormone that results in gigantism. A 2017 comparative study of his skull against other Egyptian royalty and commoners found no comparable cases, reinforcing the diagnosis.

If future DNA testing confirms the disorder, Sa‑Nakht would become the oldest known giant in human history, a truly remarkable medical anomaly from antiquity.

7 The Triple‑Mystery Head

When archaeologists cracked open a 1915 tomb in Egypt’s Deir el‑Bersha necropolis, they were greeted by a chilling sight: a decapitated head perched atop a coffin belonging to a 4,000‑year‑old couple, governor Djehutynakht and his wife.

Initially, the head’s identity was a mystery. In 2016, FBI forensic scientists managed to extract DNA from a tooth—a first for such an ancient Egyptian mummy—proving the head belonged to the male governor.

Even more puzzling, the head had undergone a precise coronoidectomy, a surgical removal of the jaw hinge and surrounding muscles, executed with a skill that seemed ahead of its time. Some speculate it was part of the “Opening of the Mouth” ceremony performed during mummification.

Genetic analysis also revealed Djehutynakht carried Eurasian ancestry, a surprising discovery that was independently corroborated by other researchers in 2017, adding a new layer to our understanding of ancient Egyptian population dynamics.

6 A Coffin Birth

About 1,300 years ago a woman from Imola, Italy, met a tragic end, and when her burial was rediscovered, archaeologists found an unexpected companion: a newborn’s skeleton positioned between her legs.

Examination of the mother’s skull revealed a tiny 4.6 mm hole drilled into the bone, accompanied by a slash scar—evidence that she had undergone trepanation, an ancient form of brain surgery.

The slash likely resulted from a scalp incision made to access the skull for drilling. Trepanation was sometimes performed to alleviate high blood pressure, suggesting the woman may have suffered a hypertensive pregnancy complication such as pre‑eclampsia.

She appears to have survived roughly a week after the procedure, but both she and the infant died shortly thereafter. The infant’s emergence from the coffin is believed to have been caused by post‑mortem gases forcing the baby out—a phenomenon known as a “coffin birth,” which is exceedingly rare, especially when paired with medieval trepanation.

5 The Unexpected Mummy

For a century and a half, a casket housed at Sydney University was assumed to be empty, a misconception that likely spared it from close inspection.

When researchers finally lifted the lid in 2018, they uncovered a dusty but unmistakable set of mummified remains. The individual was not a famous pharaoh but a badly handled mummy, its body fragmented and damaged.

Among the finds was a lump of black resin that once filled the skull, as well as a pair of feet wrapped in cloth and a fused sacrum, indicating the remains belonged to an adult.

Hieroglyphic inscriptions on the coffin reference a priestess named Mer‑Neith‑it‑es, suggesting the box may have been intended for her, though the actual body inside could belong to someone else. In antiquity, dealers often placed any mummy they could acquire into an available coffin to increase its market value.

Further research using cutting‑edge technologies promises to reveal more about this enigmatic individual, shedding light on a puzzling chapter of Egyptian funerary practice.

4 Black Sam’s Crew

Captain “Black Sam” Bellamy, famed as the richest pirate of his era, met his fate in 1717 when his ship, the Whydah Gally, sank off Cape Cod, leaving over a hundred sailors to wash ashore.

In 2018 archaeologists announced the discovery of what is now considered America’s largest pirate burial ground. To protect the site from looters, its exact location remains confidential, but excavations have uncovered burial mounds, ceramic shards from the 17th century, and the skeletal remains of more than a hundred individuals.

Evidence suggests that Bellamy’s own remains may have been recovered from the wreck itself. The ship, located in 1984, yielded a distinctive pistol linked to the captain, accompanied by human bones nearby.

The Whydah crew is remembered for their surprisingly democratic shipboard society and Bellamy’s reputation as a stern yet humane leader, earning him the nickname “Prince of Pirates.”

3 King Tut’s Worn Armor

King Tutankhamen, perhaps the most celebrated of Egypt’s pharaohs, is often portrayed as a youthful warrior despite his frail health, which included a clubfoot and bouts of malaria.

Recent analysis of a piece of leather armor recovered from his tomb suggests it was not merely a ceremonial object. Wear patterns and scuffed edges indicate the armor was actually used, showing signs of abrasion around the leather scales.

The piece suffered additional damage during a botched preservation attempt after its 1922 discovery, but researchers argue that the observed wear predates that mishandling. Early photographs confirm the armor already displayed a torn seam and stretched ties before modern interference.

While the notion that Tutankhamen personally wielded this armor remains speculative, the evidence hints at a more active martial role than traditionally assumed.

2 Truth About Alien Mummies

In early 2018, a wave of sensational media reports claimed that five Peruvian mummies displayed bizarre, elongated fingers, prompting speculation they were extraterrestrial beings.

Scientists quickly debunked the alien narrative, noting that the bodies were unmistakably human. The mummies were allegedly uncovered by a notorious tomb‑raider who demanded payment for any further study.

The primary research was led by a Russian investigator named Konstantin Korotkov, whose claims of alien origins were undermined by his questionable affiliations and lack of peer‑reviewed support.

Credible researchers contend the odd hand shapes resulted from deliberate post‑mortem manipulation—human remains were rearranged and sculpted to create a sensational appearance. One of the mummies even adopts a classic Nazca burial pose, reinforcing its cultural, not cosmic, origins.

1 The Hand‑Sized Skeleton

In 2003, a tiny, human‑like skeleton was discovered concealed in a bag behind a church in Chile’s Atacama Desert. Its size—just 15 cm (about six inches) tall—initially sparked rumors of a hoax or even alien origin.

The skeleton displayed a cone‑shaped skull, a fierce expression, ten pairs of ribs (instead of the usual twelve), and bone structures resembling those of a six‑year‑old child, all of which fueled speculation.

Genetic testing performed in 2018 revealed the remains were indeed human. The DNA matched the regional mix of European and Native American ancestry, confirming a local origin.

Named “Ata,” analysis showed the child suffered from multiple genetic mutations that caused severe dwarfism. She appears to have died shortly after birth, making her the smallest known baby ever recorded. Remarkably, the skeleton’s age is estimated at around 40 years, suggesting her parents could still be alive today.

Often said to be the longest river in the world, the Nile snakes through 11 modern countries. This ancient river spawned many civilizations and battles that scattered cemeteries along its banks. There are history‑changing finds inside some of the graves, but not all of them can be fully explained.

10 The Alabaster Tiye

Back in 2017, crews working near Luxor were moving the massive statue of King Amenhotep III (1390–1352 BC) when they stumbled upon a hidden companion—a life‑size figure tucked snugly beside the king’s right leg.

This newly uncovered statue is carved from pristine alabaster, standing about the same height as the king’s monument, and scholars believe it represents Queen Tiye, the royal matriarch.

While several quartzite statues of Tiye have already been recorded inside the west‑bank mortuary temple, this is the first example fashioned from alabaster rather than quartzite.

Amazingly, the sculpture retains its original pigments, having survived looting, successive Nile floods, and even the 27 BC earthquake that rattled the complex.

9 Nelson’s Women

British law once forbade women from setting foot on a ship, yet recent digs on Egypt’s Nelson’s Island reveal that women not only boarded but fought in the 1798 Battle of the Nile at Aboukir Bay.

Archaeologists have linked forty graves to the famous clash between French and British forces under Rear‑Admiral Horatio Nelson, showing that those who fell in combat received sea burials while others who died later were interred on the island.

Among the expected sailor and soldier burials, researchers uncovered a startling mix: infants and women. Although naval rules barred them, many officers apparently brought family members along.

Memoirs from British seaman John Nicoles describe women stationed at the guns, handing powder to the artillery. One coffin bears a metal “G” marker, which could point to a Scottish woman from HMS Goliath or two other women recorded in guard regiments.

8 The Personality Of Cats

For years Egypt was credited with taming the cat after a 1950 BC relief showed a feline tucked beneath a table, but a 2004 find in Cyprus—a 9,500‑year‑old cat buried with a human—shifted that honor.

While the Cyprus discovery claimed the first domestication, a fresh genetic study suggests Egypt may have crafted the modern cat’s affectionate temperament, using a cache of cat remains from a west‑bank cemetery dated about 3,500 years later.

Analyses of those Nile cats alongside 200 other specimens indicate that early cats originated in Turkey, migrating into settlements around 10,000 years ago and carrying mitochondrial type A.

A second mitochondrial lineage, type C, emerged in Egypt millennia later; by the first millennium AD, type A cats outnumbered type C two‑to‑one, likely because the latter retained a wilder streak, making the more docile type A the preferred pet, a trend reflected in Egyptian art.

7 Mystery Toe Rings

On the Nile’s east bank, the abandoned capital of Akhenaten at Amarna—left desolate after the pharaoh’s unpopularity—holds a grave belonging to a man in his late thirties with extensive skeletal trauma.

The 3,300‑year‑old skeleton bears multiple injuries: fractured ribs, a broken left radius, and a severely damaged right side, including a cracked ulna, foot, and femur.

Adding to the mystery, a copper‑alloy ring was found encircling his right second toe, marking only the second known toe‑ring of mixed copper uncovered in an Egyptian burial.

Because a simple fashion accessory would likely appear on more bodies, scholars suspect the ring served a therapeutic purpose, perhaps a magical remedy for his leg pain, though the lack of similar injuries in the other toe‑ring wearer leaves the theory unsettled.

6 The Luxor Mummy

Near Luxor, a temple once dedicated to Pharaoh Thutmose III sits on the Nile’s west bank, and after decades of being ignored, archaeologists finally excavated a necropolis beneath it in 2009.

Among over twenty tombs, one male mummy stood out: its papyrus‑lined cartonnage remained remarkably intact, unlike the termite‑ravaged casings of neighboring burials.

Dating between 1075 BC and 664 BC, the mummy’s cartonnage mentions a man named Amenrenef, a royal servant, yet researchers still puzzle over why this individual was interred within Thutmose III’s temple.

5 The Headless Crocodiles

In 2015, a necropolis of quarry workers and families emerged at Gebel el‑Silsila, a stone‑cutting site flanking the Nile near Aswan that supplied building blocks about 3,400 years ago.

While skeletal analysis showed the workers were generally healthy, the burial ground also featured a puzzling arrangement: a courtyard filled with sheep and goat interments guarded by a crocodile.

An adult crocodile, likely deceased naturally, lay before what appears to be a sacrificial chamber, and a second headless crocodile was positioned elsewhere, both oriented oppositely—one facing north, the other south.

Given that Sobek, the crocodile deity, was the patron god of Gebel el‑Silsila, the presence of these reptiles is striking; the site also contained two infants buried apart from the main group, adding another layer of intrigue.

4 Tombs With Staircases

A 2017 dig on the Nile’s west bank near Aswan, close to the Aga Khan Mausoleum, yielded a spectacular surprise: ten stone‑carved tombs each boasting massive staircases.

These stairways lead down to hidden chambers where sarcophagi hold several well‑preserved mummies, though the identities of those entombed remain unknown.

Experts believe the tombs, dated between 712 BC and 332 BC, belong to a previously undocumented sector of the West Aswan necropolis, whose earlier 20th‑century rediscovery revealed a rich tapestry of graves spanning centuries.

3 Mongoose On A Leash

Recently, Egypt’s antiquities ministry refreshed a 4,000‑year‑old cemetery at Beni Hassan, a site first documented a century ago by archaeologist Percy Newberry, who noted a curious wall painting.

The fresco depicts a man walking with two leashed animals—a recognizable dog and a second creature Newberry tentatively identified as a mongoose.

Modern researchers, revisiting the artwork, argue the second animal matches the Egyptian mongoose in proportion, confirming it was indeed leashed despite never being fully domesticated.

The pairing may reflect the dog’s role as a hunting companion while the mongoose helped scare birds from hiding; the scene, unique in Egyptian art, appears in the tomb of the provincial governor Baqet I, whose exact purpose for the depiction remains a mystery.

2 A Hate Crime

The ruins of Hierakonpolis, situated about 500 km (300 mi) south of Cairo, offer a glimpse into pre‑pharaonic society, and Tomb 72 revealed a chilling narrative.

The tomb housed an upper‑class teenage male surrounded by twenty sacrificed individuals, alongside remains of dogs, baboons, goats, an ostrich, and a leopard; shortly after burial, the tomb was broken into, the corpse set ablaze, and the wooden covering bore scorch marks.

The presence of valuable grave goods alongside the violent act suggests a revenge‑driven hate crime rather than simple looting, though the exact grievance—perhaps class conflict—remains speculative.

1 The Children Who Built Amarna

In 2015, archaeologists uncovered two worker cemeteries at Amarna, the short‑lived capital of the controversial Pharaoh Akhenaten.

The first burial ground presented a familiar picture: laborers who toiled hard, ate poorly, sustained injuries, and died at various ages, reflecting a typical workforce.

The second cemetery shocked researchers: most interments were children aged seven to fifteen, with a few up to twenty‑five, buried in modest graves, some in mass pits, and many showing traumatic fractures from heavy labor.

While some scholars link these young laborers to biblical Hebrew slaves, the consensus is that they were forced child workers from diverse backgrounds, their exploitation evident in the injuries and the stark treatment of their remains.

When you think about the 10 unusual death rituals that humanity has devised, you might picture solemn funerals or quiet cremations. In reality, cultures across the globe have crafted bizarre, sometimes shocking, ceremonies to honor—or even command—their departed. Below, we count down ten of the most eye‑opening practices, each steeped in history, belief, and a dash of the uncanny.

1. Sokushinbutsu

10 Unusual Death: The Japanese Self‑Mummification

Many religions from around the world believe that an imperishable corpse conveys an ability to connect with a force beyond the physical realm. The Japanese Shingon monks of Yamagata took it a step further. Their practice of self‑mummification, or sokushinbutsu, was believed to grant them access to Heaven, where they could live for a million years and protect humans on Earth. The process of mummifying themselves from inside out required utmost devotion and self‑discipline.

The process of sokushinbutsu started off with the monk adopting a diet consisting of only tree roots, barks, nuts, berries, pine needles, and even stones. This diet helped eliminate any fat and muscle as well as bacteria from the body. It could last anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 days. The monk would also drink the sap of the Chinese lacquer tree, which would render the body toxic to insect invaders after death. The monk continued with the meditation practice while drinking only small amounts of salinized water. As death approached, he would rest in a small, tightly cramped pine box, which would be buried. The corpse would then be unearthed after 1,000 days. If the body had stayed intact, it meant that the deceased had become sokushinbutsu. The body would then be dressed in robes and put in a temple for worship.

The whole process could take more than three years to complete. It is believed that 24 monks successfully mummified themselves between 1081 and 1903, but this ritual was criminalized in 1877.

2. Hanging Coffins

People of the Igorot tribe of Mountain Province in Northern Philippines have been burying their dead in hanging coffins, nailed to the sides of cliff faces, for more than two millennia. They believe that moving the bodies of the dead higher up brings them closer to their ancestral spirits.

The corpses are buried in a fetal position, as the Igorot people believe that a person should leave the world the same way they entered it. Nowadays, younger generations adopt more modern and Christian ways of life, so this ancient ritual is slowly dying out.

3. Skull Burial

Kiribati is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean. In present times, its people practice mostly Christian burials, but this was not always the case. Before the 19th century, they practiced what is called the skull burial, in which they kept the skull at home so that the native god could welcome the deceased’s spirit to the afterlife.

After someone died, their body stayed at home for three to twelve days for people to pay their respects. To make the body smell nice, they burned leaves nearby and placed flowers in the corpse’s mouth, nose, and ears, and even rubbed the body with coconut and scented oils. A few months after burial, family members dug up the grave, removed the skull, polished it, and displayed it at home. The widow or child would sleep and eat next to the skull and carry it everywhere, even making necklaces from fallen teeth. After several years, the skull was reburied.

4. Zoroastrian Towers Of Silence

A tower of silence, or dakhma, is a funerary structure used by Zoroastrians. It is a practice of disposing of the dead by exposing the bodies to the Sun and vultures. According to Zoroastrian belief, the four elements (fire, water, earth, and air) are sacred and should not be polluted by the disposal of the dead through cremation or burial.

The towers are raised platforms with three concentric circles. Bodies of men are placed on the outer circle, women in the middle, and children in the inner circle. Vultures then consume the flesh, while the remaining bones are left to dry and bleach in the Sun before being deposited in an ossuary. These towers can be found in Iran and India.

5. Sallekhana

Sallekhana, also known as Santhara, is the last vow prescribed by the Jain ethical code of conduct. It is observed by Jain ascetics at the end of their life by gradually reducing the intake of food and liquids until they are fasting at the end. The practice is highly respected in the Jain community.

The vow can only be taken voluntarily when death is near. Sallekhana can last up to 12 years, giving the individual time to reflect, purge old karmas, and prevent the creation of new ones. Despite controversy, the Supreme Court of India lifted the ban on Sallekhana in 2015.

6. Famadihana

Famadihan‑drazana, also known as Famadihana, is a ceremony used to honor the dead. It is the most commonly practiced traditional festival in the southern highlands of Madagascar. It occurs every seven years during the winter months of July to September.

The ritual starts when corpses are exhumed from their graves and rewrapped in new shrouds. Before reinterment, they are hoisted up and carried around their tombs several times so they become familiar with their resting places. Tears are banned, and the celebration features loud music, dancing, feasting, and plenty of drink. The last Famadihana was in 2011, so the next one is likely imminent.

7. Ritual Finger Amputation Of The Dani People

The Dani people of Papua New Guinea believe that a physical representation of emotional pain is essential to the grieving process. A woman would cut off the tip of her finger if she lost a family member or a child.

In addition to using pain to express sorrow, this ritual finger amputation was performed to appease and drive away spirits. The Dani tribe believes the essence of the deceased can cause lingering spiritual turmoil. The practice is now banned, but older women still bear the tell‑tale signs of mutilated fingertips.

8. The Viking Funeral

The Vikings’ funeral and burial rituals were shaped by their pagan beliefs. They thought death would lead them into one of the nine Viking realms, so they strove to ensure a successful afterlife, typically via cremation or inhumation.

The funeral of a chief or king was especially elaborate. According to an account, the chief’s body was placed in a temporary grave for ten days while new clothes were prepared. During this time, a thrall woman “volunteered” to join the chief in the afterlife, was kept day and night with ample alcohol, then forced to sleep with every village man, after which she was strangled and stabbed by the village matriarch. Both bodies were then placed on a wooden ship that served as the cremation pyre.

9. Mortuary Totem Poles

Totem poles are tall cedar monuments carved by Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest. Mortuary totem poles, especially those of the Haida, feature a cavity on top used to hold a burial box containing the remains of a chief or important person.

These remains are placed in the box a year after death. The box is hidden from view by a frontal board carved or painted with a lineage crest and placed across the front, giving the appearance of a large crest.

10. Sati

Sati (also spelled suttee) is a Hindu practice in which a recently widowed woman is burned to death on her husband’s funeral pyre. This is either done voluntarily or by force. Other forms of sati also exist, such as burial alive and drowning. The practice was especially popular in Southern India and among higher castes.

Sati is considered the highest expression of wifely devotion to her dead husband. The practice was outlawed in 1827, but it has still occasionally occurred in some parts of India.

There have been several occasions where people have been found living in unimaginable habitats. We may feel sympathy when someone endures dire circumstances because of poverty, yet there are countless stories of individuals opting for bizarre dwellings driven by quirky personal choices. Some even settle in odd spots simply to make a statement. Below, we explore ten astonishing examples of humans inhabiting truly unbelievable residences.

Top 10 Unusual Dwellings Overview

10. A Man Constructed An Underground Home In A Park

In 2015, a homeless man named Yosue Joel Rios was apprehended in Fairfax, Virginia, after authorities discovered his self‑dug underground sanctuary nestled within a public park. Rios had excavated a set of stairs that led down into two modest rooms, complete with evidence that he used the space for sleeping and self‑education. The hidden tunnel came to light when a park‑goer spotted the entrance while strolling the 20‑acre grounds, prompting police to intervene.

Following the revelation, the local public works crew was dispatched to seal the tunnel. The discovery stunned many, as most are accustomed to seeing homeless individuals in tents or abandoned vehicles—not in elaborate subterranean bunkers crafted with such ingenuity and determination.

9. Man Lives Inside A Retired Boeing 727

Bruce Campbell, not the famed actor, chose an extraordinary abode: a retired Boeing 727 perched deep within the Oregon woods near Portland. Though he can afford a conventional home, Campbell views converting an old jetliner into a living space as the fulfillment of a lifelong vision—to rescue decommissioned aircraft from the scrapyard and repurpose them.

Inside the fuselage, Campbell leads a modest lifestyle, sleeping on a futon, bathing in a makeshift shower, and cooking with a microwave or toaster. His meals consist largely of canned goods and cereal, and he spends six months each year residing in his airborne shelter, braving the solitude of the forest night.

8. Japanese Man Arrested For Living In The Attic Of A Public Restroom For Three Years

In April 2017, Takashi Yamanouchi, a 54‑year‑old Japanese man, was taken into custody for trespassing after police discovered he had been residing in the attic of a public restroom for three consecutive years. An electrician performing routine maintenance spotted Yamanouchi and alerted authorities.

Yamanouchi confessed that he had moved into the space after a previous occupant vacated it, accessing the attic by climbing through a maintenance opening in the ceiling. Inside the roughly 92‑square‑meter area, police found an assortment of 300 two‑liter and 500‑milliliter bottles, apparently filled with his urine, alongside an electric heater, gas stove, clothing, and other personal items. Despite the odd circumstances, the attic was reported to be tidy.

7. Chinese Boy Lived In An Ikea Store For Six Days

Peng Yijian, a 12‑year‑old from Shanghai, vanished after a scolding from his mother over unfinished math homework. He spent six days wandering the city, subsisting on free food samples from supermarkets. Surveillance footage eventually led police to an Ikea store where he had taken refuge.

After a 40‑minute lockdown of the store’s exits, officers found Yijian near a ground‑floor escalator, apparently sleeping on one of the showroom beds. The incident highlighted his history of brief runaways, prompting his parents to pledge better communication to prevent future disappearances.

6. Man Lives In A Dumpster‑Like Home In New York

Damian Cummings, a homeless New Yorker, found a semi‑permanent residence disguised as a dumpster in June 2016, thanks to two male models, Shane Duffy and Phil Sullivan, who rewarded his generosity. The duo posed as fellow homeless individuals, and after Cummings shared his survival tips, they built him a $1,500 shelter equipped with solar panels and USB ports.

The dumpster‑style home allowed Cummings to securely store his belongings and avoid lugging them to work. Although the NYPD briefly removed the structure, public backlash prompted its return. Similar dumpster conversions have been undertaken by designer Gregory Kloehn and a Texas professor, showcasing inventive low‑cost housing solutions.

5. The Principality Of Sealand

Sealand, a World War II‑era sea fort situated 12 kilometers off the Suffolk coast, has evolved into a self‑declared micronation. Its occupants have crowned a king, minted their own currency and postage stamps, and even issued passports, proclaiming independence from the United Kingdom in 1967.

Life on Sealand is rugged: residents produce drinking water, fish for sustenance, and import most supplies from mainland Britain. While lacking modern conveniences like washing machines, the inhabitants cherish their austere, maritime lifestyle despite harsh winter weather.

4. A Google Employee Lived In A Truck In The Company’s Parking Lot

In 2015, Brandon, a 23‑year‑old Google employee, transformed a 12‑square‑meter truck into his personal dwelling, parked within the company’s lot. Frustrated by the $65 nightly rate of corporate housing he barely used, Brandon devised a plan to live on the road.

His minimalist setup includes a bed, dresser, and a homemade coat rack. He meals at work, showers in the corporate gym, and recharges devices using office power during the day. The truck has no dedicated electricity, eliminating a utility bill, and Brandon aims to clear his student loans and invest for his future while chronicling his experience on a personal blog.

3. A Man Lived In A Paper House In Massachusetts

Ellis F. Stenman realized his architectural dream in 1924 by constructing a summer home entirely from glued, varnished paper in Massachusetts. This remarkable paper house has endured for nearly a century, showcasing the durability of such an unconventional material.

Every wall—and even the furniture—was crafted from paper, reflecting Stenman’s unwavering commitment to the medium. The home stands as one of the rarest examples of paper‑based residential architecture.

2. A Man Lives In A Tree Stump

Mick Dodge, dubbed the “Barefoot Sensei,” abandoned conventional living to make a tree stump in a forest his home. He relinquished all possessions, embracing a barefoot lifestyle he believes deepens his connection to nature.

Beyond his stump dwelling, Mick founded EarthGym, training clients using only natural elements. His unique approach attracted National Geographic, which filmed his daily routine. The juxtaposition of his primitive residence with a thriving fitness community underscores the eccentric allure of his lifestyle.

1. A Couple Lived In Sewer For 22 Years

Miguel Restrepo, a former Colombian drug addict, and his wife Maria Garcia fashioned a livable space within an abandoned sewer, calling it home for 22 years. They renovated the cramped tunnel, installing a stove, fan, bed, and even a television for entertainment.

Despite the deplorable conditions, the couple expressed contentment with their unconventional lifestyle, attributing it to their past struggles with addiction. Their story highlights both resilience and the extremes to which individuals will go to create a sense of home.

Long before there were condoms, birth control pills, and our modern contraceptives, 10 unusual things were tried by our ancestors to help prevent pregnancy. Although they were far more inventive than we often give them credit for, many of these methods were hit‑or‑miss when it came to actually stopping a pregnancy.

10 Unusual Things in Birth Control History

Some of the earliest forms of birth control were more bizarre than others, and a few of them are still whispered about today. As you’ll see, these older methods weren’t always healthy for the men and women who used them—some were downright terrifying.

1. Juniper Berries

The juniper plant bears blue‑or‑reddish fruits better known as juniper berries. They flavor foods, season pickled meats, and even find their way into cosmetics and perfumes.

Many ancient Native American tribes discovered a range of uses for these berries. They would pierce the berries and string them into necklaces, and they also brewed a tea from the berries that was consumed for three consecutive days as a contraceptive ritual.

Modern herbalists note that juniper berries can act as a natural contraceptive; they alter the uterine lining, making it less hospitable for embryo implantation. However, pregnant or nursing women should steer clear of them because of potentially serious side effects.

Other herbs—such as wild carrot seed, smartweed leaves, neem, and rutin—have also been used historically for birth control. But remember, self‑medicating with herbs can be risky without professional guidance.

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2. Coca‑Cola

Coca‑Cola, the fizzy classic we all love, once found its way into contraceptive folklore during the 1950s and 1960s. In regions where conventional birth control was scarce or pricey, people believed the drink’s carbonic acid could kill sperm, and the glass bottle was dubbed the perfect “shake‑and‑shoot” applicator.

Harvard researcher Deborah Anderson and two colleagues actually tested Coke in sperm‑containing tubes. While the soda did kill a large portion of the sperm quickly, they warned that sperm could still reach the cervical canal faster than the liquid could be applied.

The study earned them an Ig Nobel Prize—an award celebrating research that first makes people laugh, then think. Anderson cautioned that using Coke as a douche could strip away healthy vaginal bacteria, leading to infections, and could also erode the top layer of vaginal cells, increasing susceptibility to sexually transmitted diseases.

So while the story makes for a fun urban legend, it’s best to enjoy Coca‑Cola as a refreshing beverage, not a birth‑control method.

3. Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal is a tiny member of the mint family, long used to soothe upset stomachs, ease flatulence, and treat colds. It’s also one of the few herbs historically touted as a natural contraceptive, and it still sees occasional use today.

According to the Orgone Biophysical Research Lab, Switzerland’s Women’s Health Center prescribes pennyroyal and similar herbs to halt pregnancy. They advise taking the herb immediately after intercourse—before implantation—to maximize any potential effect. Pennyroyal can also be brewed as a tea, though it should only be consumed for short periods at specific points in the menstrual cycle.

Scientific evidence supporting pennyroyal’s efficacy as a birth control method is lacking, and the herb can be toxic. Over‑use may damage the liver, kidneys, and nervous system, so it must be approached with extreme caution.

4. Lemons

When life gives you lemons, you might be tempted to turn them into a spermicide. In antiquity, acidic fruit juices—especially lemon—were applied to sponges or mixed with honey to create a makeshift contraceptive barrier.

The famed 18th‑century lover Casanova even fashioned a cervical cap from half a pulped lemon for his many paramours. The cap’s acidity could block and neutralize sperm, offering a surprisingly effective—though unsafe—method of birth control.

5. Cotton

Cotton is the soft, fibrous plant that supplies towels, clothing, fishing nets, coffee filters, tents, and even cottonseed oil. Yet it also played a role in historical contraception.

In China’s Jiangxi province, peasants who cooked with cottonseed oil often remained childless, leading locals to believe the oil acted as a male contraceptive. Scientific studies later showed that men who consumed cottonseed oil experienced higher infertility rates.

Beyond oil, cotton was woven into other birth‑control practices. Enslaved women in the United States chewed cotton‑root bark to prevent pregnancy; the bark interferes with the corpus luteum, disrupting ovulation. Some also brewed tea from the root, though its effectiveness remains uncertain.

6. Weasel Testicles

Not every ancient contraceptive was elegant. Between AD 100 and AD 500, Europeans believed that a woman could drape weasel testicles around her neck during intercourse to ward off pregnancy.

If the necklace idea sounded too odd, some women tied the testicles around their thigh during sex. Modern scholars agree this method was ineffective and certainly not something to try today.

7. Animal Intestines

By the 1400s, people were already experimenting with animal intestines to fashion early condoms. Wrapping the penis proved a smarter way to prevent conception and even offered some protection against sexually transmitted infections.

The ancient Romans employed linen, animal intestines, and bladders—mostly from sheep and goats—to create rudimentary condoms. In China and Japan, innovators used silk, oiled paper, or lamb intestines to produce “glans” condoms that covered only the tip of the penis. Some Japanese variants even featured tortoise shells and animal horns.

8. Mercury

One of the most hazardous birth‑control experiments involved drinking mercury—or lead—in ancient China. Concubines believed that ingesting enough of these heavy metals would render them sterile without causing immediate death.

Mercury exposure is notorious for causing sterility, brain damage, kidney failure, and death. Women who drank it hoped the organ‑damaging effects would guarantee childlessness.

Sometimes mercury was mixed with other poisons like arsenic and strychnine. Historically, it also served as a topical antimicrobial, a dental treatment, and even an ingredient in eye drops and laxatives.

9. Honey

Honey, the sweet nectar bees produce, was more than a culinary delight in ancient Egypt—it also featured in contraceptive recipes, likely after crocodile dung proved ineffective.

The Ebers Papyrus (circa 1550 BC) records a mixture of acacia berries and colocynth (bitter apple) blended with honey. This sticky concoction was fashioned into a makeshift tampon and inserted vaginally.

Egyptians believed this honey‑based blend could prevent pregnancy for up to three years, though modern science doubts its efficacy.

10. Crocodile Dung

Some of the earliest recorded contraceptives date back to 1850 BC in ancient Egypt. The Ramesseum Papyrus, a medical text from the 17th century BC, recommended applying crocodile dung as a birth‑control barrier.

Because the dung is thick and sticky, Egyptians thought it could form a wall to block sperm penetration. The practice may also have held religious significance, as the crocodile was linked to Set—the deity associated with hemorrhaging, abortion, and miscarriage.

One way student artists learn is by copying the works of old masters. This tests their eye for detail and their technical skills. However, these recreations are usually made with traditional materials such as pencils and paints, and most artists stop doing them after their school days because they want to create something new. The world of art, though, still welcomes those who dare to reinterpret the classics in the most unexpected ways – welcome to the realm of 10 unusual incredible reinterpretations.

10 Unusual Incredible Reinterpretations

10. Garip Ay

Garip Ay, a Turkish creator, burst onto the scene in 2016 when he reproduced Van Gogh’s iconic The Starry Night in a way that left everyone blinking. While many assumed his version would meet the usual fate of canvas works – being splashed, torn, or even set alight – his masterpiece vanished in a far more ethereal fashion.

The secret lies in his medium: water. Employing the ancient Turkish art of ebru, he paints on the surface of thickened, darkened water, swirling pigments to mirror the original night sky. Each brush‑like swirl lives only moments before a final swirl erases it, leaving nothing but memory of a fleeting masterpiece.

9. James Cook

James Cook, a young British typist‑turned‑artist, proved that even the clack of a typewriter can echo famous canvases. In 2022 he recreated seven celebrated works, embedding them in streams of typed characters. Because letters were required to form the images, he slipped sly news references into the sea of text.

His rendition of American Gothic hides a nod to Liz Truss’s resignation as Prime Minister, visible only to the most observant eyes. Other pieces include a typewritten Mona Lisa and Girl with a Pearl Earring. Cook cites Paul Smith, an early typewriter artist, as inspiration and laments the possible disappearance of the typewriter in our digital age.

8. Ai Weiwei

When you think of Legoland, you picture bright brick structures, but Chinese artist Ai Weiwei took it further by rebuilding Monet’s Water Lilies #1 entirely out of LEGO. The colossal 50‑foot (15.2‑meter) installation, composed of 650,000 individual bricks, debuted at London’s Design Museum in 2023.

Weiwei’s brick‑building prowess isn’t new; in 2014 he crafted 176 portraits of political prisoners from LEGO. This massive floral recreation also includes personal touches—a dark patch among the lilies symbolizes a family dugout. His use of LEGO reflects our digitized era, complementing his history of working with fences, inflatables, and bicycles.

7. Jane Perkins

Jane Perkins believes that Impressionist masterpieces are meant to be seen from a distance, where brushstrokes meld into recognizable scenes. To mimic this effect, she replaces each brushstroke with tangible objects, creating works that resolve into famous images when viewed from afar but reveal a collage of everyday items up close.

Limiting herself to “found materials” – objects already possessing the right size, hue, and shape – Perkins assembles her “Plastic Classics” series from toys, shells, buttons, beads, and even broken jewelry. The result: vibrant, three‑dimensional homages to Monet, Van Gogh, Klimt, Warhol and more, each painstakingly built without altering the original objects.

6. Seikou Yamaoka

Finger‑painting is usually a child’s pastime, yet Osaka‑based office worker‑artist Seikou Yamaoka shows adults can master the medium with a modern twist. Using only his finger and an iPad, he reproduces historic masterpieces with pixel‑perfect precision, eliminating any mess.

After a stint in a corporate job, Yamaoka returned to his artistic roots, sharing iPad creations of works like Girl with a Pearl Earring on YouTube. His videos quickly amassed hundreds of thousands of views, and he now paints wherever he pleases, the iPad serving as his portable canvas.

5. Carl Warner

Are edible recreations of famous paintings truly art? Carl Warner thinks so, especially when the medium adds a tasty twist. To honor Leonardo da Vinci on the 500th anniversary of his death, Warner was hired by a UK Italian‑restaurant chain to craft a savory portrait of the master.

Spending over 20 hours, Warner fashioned da Vinci’s self‑portrait using classic Italian fare: strands of pasta formed the iconic beard, alongside six pasta varieties, three cured meats, two artisan breads, mozzarella, and olives. The result was a deliciously literal homage to a Renaissance genius.

4. Mil Cannon

Atlanta‑based visual artist Mil Cannon tackled da Vinci’s The Last Supper with a fast‑food spin, not for promotion but to spotlight global hunger. Commissioned by non‑profit SERV International, Cannon assembled the scene from French fries and ketchup to provoke thought about food waste.

The three‑hour performance used two large orders of fries, twelve ketchup packets, and a camera crew to document the process. The final image, drenched in bright red sauce, underscored how a modest donation could feed countless people who otherwise face their own “last supper.”

3. Justin Bateman

British artist Justin Bateman found his muse on the shores of Thailand, where smooth pebbles become his palette. Specializing in impromptu pebble portraits, he recreates iconic works like Frida Kahlo’s self‑portrait and Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus using only stones he discovers.

Because the medium is wholly organic, each piece is unplanned and fleeting. Bateman works wherever inspiration strikes—beaches, forests, railways—spending days arranging stones before snapping a photograph to preserve the moment, then letting nature reclaim the rocks.

2. Lucy Sparrow

Silence can be a canvas too, and British artist Lucy Sparrow turned that notion into a tactile wonder. For China’s M Woods Museum, she covered 14 rooms across three stories with felt recreations of works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Edward Hopper, Damien Hirst and more.

Her “Felt Art Imaginarium,” completed over nine months in 2019, involved three‑day projects per piece, covering walls, ceilings and floors. Sparrow believes felt’s soft texture not only mutes echo but also sparks joy, a material she’s loved since childhood and has previously used to craft full‑scale felt convenience stores.

1. Unknown Artist

The final entry hails from a 2012 Russian commercial for Philips Electronics, where an unnamed creator transformed ordinary bedsheets into art. Rather than focusing on meticulous detail, the artist emphasized essence, ironing crisp folds into silhouettes of Dutch masters.

Using a plain white sheet, the craftsman sculpted Vermeer’s famed Girl with a Pearl Earring, alongside self‑portraits of Rembrandt and Van Gogh, by pressing iron‑induced creases into the fabric. Though the longevity of these fabric works remains unknown, the process lives on in the promotional video that showcased this innovative homage.