On November 14th, 1524, Francisco Pizarro launched what would become his first expedition along the Pacific coast of South America. Pizarro, a hardened Spanish conquistador, set out from Panama with a small crew and almost no resources. His goal was simple but daring: to confirm rumors of a rich empire to the south. These rumors hinted at lands filled with gold, advanced cities, and powerful rulers.

The expedition quickly ran into trouble. The crew faced harsh storms, hunger, and unfamiliar coastlines. They explored parts of present-day Colombia, only to find swampy terrain and dangerous wildlife. Many of Pizarro’s men begged him to turn back, believing the journey was cursed. Still, Pizarro pushed onward, convinced that the riches described in the rumors were real.

As supplies ran low, the expedition reached a breaking point. Pizarro’s men grew restless and afraid, and disease began to spread. In one village, not only did the Spanish struggle with lack of food, but they also encountered fierce resistance from local Indigenous groups. These setbacks forced Pizarro to return north, ending the first expedition before discovering anything close to the rumored empire.

But the journey wasn’t a total failure. Pizarro gathered enough clues—gold trinkets, stories from local people, and glimpses of more advanced cultures—to convince him that something massive lay farther south. This early reconnaissance set the stage for his later expeditions and the eventual conquest of the Inca Empire, one of the most dramatic events in world history.

On November 14th, 1851, Herman Melville’s classic novel Moby-Dick was officially published in the United States. The book told the story of Captain Ahab, a sailor obsessed with hunting down a giant white whale. When it first appeared, though, readers didn’t know they were witnessing the birth of one of America’s greatest literary works.

Amazingly, Moby-Dick was not a success at first. Critics in both the U.S. and Britain felt the novel was confusing and too strange for popular readers. Many complained about its shifting tone, deep symbolism, and long sections describing whales and whaling. Some reviews were so harsh they embarrassed Melville, damaging his reputation as a rising author.

Despite early criticism, the novel was groundbreaking. Melville blended adventure with philosophy, exploring ideas like obsession, fate, and humanity’s struggle against nature. The character of Captain Ahab, with his fierce determination and tragic flaws, became one of the most memorable figures in American literature. The book also captured real details of the whaling world, making it both dramatic and historically valuable.

It wasn’t until decades later—long after Melville’s death—that readers and scholars recognized Moby-Dick as a masterpiece. Today, the novel is celebrated for its bold style, rich symbolism, and unforgettable story. What began as a misunderstood book in 1851 is now considered one of the greatest novels ever written.

Stone Age Glue🌲
Prehistoric hunters made adhesive from birch bark resin heated without oxygen. This sticky black tar attached stone blades to wooden handles. Experiments show it required precise temperature control — proof Stone-Age humans practiced complex chemistry tens of thousands of years before written science existed.

Aztec Chocolate🍫
Aztecs drank chocolate cold, unsweetened, and spiced with chili. Only nobles and warriors could consume it regularly. Cocoa beans also doubled as currency — taxes could literally be paid in chocolate. Spanish conquistadors were astonished that Aztec emperors drank it daily, believing cacao granted both divine wisdom and stamina.

Inuit Glasses👓
Inuit hunters carved “snow goggles” from bone or driftwood with narrow slits to block sunlight reflecting off ice. This reduced snow blindness while sharpening focus on prey. Modern sunglasses mimic the same light-filtering principle. Some goggles were personalized with carvings and sealskin cords to prevent loss in storms.

Greek Firefighters🚒
Ancient Alexandria had organized fire brigades centuries before Rome. They used bucket chains, hand-pumped water engines, and chemical mixtures similar to vinegar-soaked sand to smother flames. Because arson was a capital crime, firehouses doubled as police posts — giving rise to some of history’s first emergency responders.

If you enjoy this edition of Today In History be sure to send it to a friend and force them to sign up because that’s what good friends do. Until next time, stay curious, question everything, and keep uncovering the mysteries of the past.