On October 3, 42 B.C., the Battle of Philippi began in Macedonia, marking one of the final chapters of the Roman Republic. The conflict pitted the forces of Mark Antony and Octavian—the future Augustus—against the Republican armies led by Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus, two of Julius Caesar’s assassins. Both sides commanded massive forces, each with more than 100,000 soldiers, making it one of the largest battles of antiquity. The battle would ultimately decide the fate of Caesar’s legacy and whether Rome would remain a republic or slide into empire.

The clash unfolded in two stages near the city of Philippi. On the first day of fighting, Brutus managed to drive back Octavian’s troops, even overrunning his camp. However, Cassius misread the battle and believing his side had lost, he committed suicide. His premature death left Brutus in sole command, weakening morale among the Republican ranks.

Three weeks later, the armies met again. This time Antony led a decisive assault that broke through Brutus’s forces. Surrounded and with no hope of rallying his men, Brutus fell on his sword, killing himself just as his friend Cassius had. With his death, the dream of reviving the Republic collapsed, and Octavian and Antony emerged as the uncontested rulers of Rome.

The aftermath of Philippi marked the end of organized resistance against Caesar’s heirs. Though Antony and Octavian would soon turn on each other, the battle ensured that Rome’s path toward imperial rule was irreversible. Brutus’s legacy became that of a tragic idealist, while Octavian went on to become the first Roman emperor—Augustus, whose reign shaped centuries of history.

On October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation that forever changed American tradition: he declared the last Thursday of November a national day of Thanksgiving. The decision came in the midst of the Civil War, at a time when the nation was fractured and weary. Lincoln hoped the holiday would serve as a unifying moment of gratitude, reflection, and prayer for both the blessings and trials the country endured.

The idea of a national Thanksgiving had been circulating for years, championed most strongly by Sarah Josepha Hale, editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book. For decades, Hale had written editorials and sent letters to presidents, governors, and other officials urging them to create a permanent holiday. Her persistence finally paid off with Lincoln, who saw the cultural and political value in setting aside a day of gratitude.

Lincoln’s proclamation, written in part by Secretary of State William H. Seward, struck a deeply spiritual and solemn tone. It acknowledged “the gracious gifts of the Most High God” while calling on Americans to heal wounds and care for those in need—widows, orphans, mourners, and soldiers. It wasn’t just a call for thanksgiving, but a call for national reconciliation.

The first official Thanksgiving under Lincoln’s order was observed on November 26, 1863, and the tradition has continued ever since. While some states had already celebrated their own harvest festivals, Lincoln’s declaration established Thanksgiving as a permanent, nationwide observance. Today, the holiday stands as one of America’s most enduring traditions, rooted in a president’s effort to bring unity during its darkest hour.

Cato The Elder🗯️
Ancient Roman politician Cato the Elder ended every speech with "Carthage must be destroyed" regardless of the topic. For years, Cato would discuss taxes, roads, or grain supplies, then randomly end with his catchphrase demanding Carthage's destruction - his obsessive propaganda campaign eventually convinced Rome to completely annihilate the city and salt the earth.

Medieval Sin Eaters🪦
Medieval "sin eaters" were paid to eat meals off dead bodies to absorb the deceased's sins. Poor people would be hired to eat bread and drink beer placed on corpses, supposedly taking on the dead person's sins so they could enter heaven - sin eaters were social outcasts who lived as pariahs because they were "full of other people's sins."

Female Pope🤰
Pope Joan allegedly ruled as a male pope in the 9th century until giving birth during a procession. According to medieval legend, a woman disguised herself as a man and became pope - her secret was revealed when she went into labor while riding a horse through Rome. The Vatican denies this ever happened, but the avoided that street for centuries afterward.

Johnson’s Drunk Speech🍺
President Andrew Johnson was so drunk at his vice presidential inauguration he gave an incoherent rambling speech. In 1865, Johnson showed up hammered, slurred his way through a 17-minute disaster, and had to be physically pulled away from the podium - weeks later, Lincoln was assassinated and this drunk became president.

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