20 Funny Historical Events That Actually Happened

History is usually packed with wars, revolutions, and serious events—but sometimes, it surprises us with moments so ridiculous, they’re hard to believe. Yes, among all the chaos and triumphs, there are stories that are just plain hilarious. Whether it’s a failed military mission involving birds or a royal mix-up, the past isn’t always as serious as your school textbooks made it seem.

In this blog post, we’re diving into some of the funny historical events that actually happened. These aren’t made-up tales—they’re true stories that left people scratching their heads, laughing, or both. From weird political decisions to bizarre accidents, you’re about to learn how history can be stranger (and funnier) than fiction.

So, sit back and get ready to laugh at the wild side of the past. Trust us—these events are worth remembering.

Funny Historical Events That Actually Happened

1. The Great Emu War (Australia, 1932)

Australia literally declared war on emus. These large birds were destroying crops, so the government sent soldiers with machine guns to take them out. The result? Total failure.

The emus were too fast, too organized, and basically outsmarted the army. After wasting thousands of bullets and getting laughed at by the press, the military gave up. Yes, the birds won.

It’s one of those funny historical events where you wonder, “How did this even happen?”

2. Napoleon’s Bunny Battle

In 1807, Napoleon Bonaparte wanted to celebrate with a rabbit hunt. His men gathered hundreds of bunnies. But when released, the rabbits didn’t run—they attacked.

Turns out, they brought tame rabbits, not wild ones. So instead of fleeing, the fluffy army charged straight at Napoleon and his guests. The mighty general had to flee from… bunnies.

Imagine writing that in a history book.

3. The Dancing Plague of 1518

One woman started dancing in the streets of Strasbourg. Then others joined. Soon, dozens of people were dancing non-stop. They couldn’t stop—even when exhausted.

It went on for days. Some people danced themselves to death. Historians still don’t know why. Maybe it was mass hysteria. Or maybe they just really liked to groove.

Either way, this bizarre outbreak is one of the weirdest and funny historical events you’ll ever hear.

4. Pope Puts a Dead Pope on Trial

In 897 AD, Pope Stephen VI had a big issue with his dead predecessor. So, naturally, he put the corpse on trial. The body was dressed up and seated in court.

They asked the corpse questions. It didn’t answer (of course), but they still found it guilty. They even threw the poor body into the river afterward.

Sounds fake, but sadly, it’s true. Medieval drama was something else.

5. President Taft’s Bathtub Mishap

President William Howard Taft was a big man. Literally. Weighing over 300 pounds, he once got stuck in the White House bathtub.

According to stories, it took several men to free him. Later, they installed a giant custom tub that could fit four men. He made history… and bathtub upgrades.

Even presidents have awkward moments.

6. Exploding Whale in Oregon (1970)

A whale washed up on the Oregon coast. It was too big to bury. Too smelly to leave. So someone suggested: “Let’s blow it up.”

They used dynamite. The explosion sent blubber flying everywhere. One piece flattened a car parked far away. The beach? A total mess.

Let’s just say, it wasn’t their best idea.

7. The Great Molasses Flood (Boston, 1919)

A massive tank of molasses burst, sending a wave of sticky syrup through Boston. It moved fast—up to 35 mph. People couldn’t escape it.

Buildings were destroyed. 21 people died, and over 100 were injured. It sounds ridiculous, but it’s true. A sweet disaster, literally.

It became one of the stickiest and strangest events in U.S. history.

8. King for 9 Minutes

Louis XIX of France holds the record for shortest reign—just 20 minutes. After his father abdicated, he became king… and then quit almost immediately.

He didn’t want the pressure. Or maybe he just wasn’t into politics. Either way, he gave up the crown faster than anyone in history.

Fastest rise and fall ever.

9. Goat Elected as Mayor

In Fair Haven, Vermont, the town made a goat named Lincoln their mayor. Why? To raise money for a playground.

Turns out, the goat was popular. It even made national news. And no one complained about taxes during its time in office.

Sometimes, animals do a better job than humans.

10. CIA’s Exploding Cigars for Castro

The CIA once tried to kill Fidel Castro using an exploding cigar. That wasn’t even their weirdest plan. They also considered using a poisoned wetsuit and a chemical to make his beard fall out.

All failed. Castro lived a long life and laughed at the attempts. Talk about Cold War craziness.

11. Finland vs. Soviet Union: Ski Warriors

During the Winter War, Finland’s troops used skis to outmaneuver Soviet tanks. Yes, they were literally skiing into battle.

They were faster, smarter, and knew the land better. While the Soviets had numbers, the Finns had moves.

Ski battles. That’s real history.

12. Operation Paul Bunyan

After a tree-cutting incident turned deadly in the Korean DMZ, the U.S. launched a massive show of force… to chop down a tree.

They brought in helicopters, tanks, soldiers, and even a rock band. The tree came down. No one fired a shot.

Biggest overreaction in tree-trimming history? Probably.

13. Einstein’s Passport Problem

Albert Einstein forgot his ID and told border guards, “You know who I am.” The officer replied, “I don’t care who you think you are. No ID, no entry.”

Einstein had to wait like everyone else. Fame doesn’t work on everyone.

Even geniuses get humbled sometimes.

14. The Eiffel Tower Was Almost Torn Down

After 20 years, Paris planned to remove the Eiffel Tower. It was considered ugly and useless.

But thanks to its use as a radio tower during war, they kept it. Now it’s one of the most famous landmarks in the world.

Close call, France.

15. Canada Apologized to a Robot

In 1981, a robot got into a minor accident during a demo. Canada issued an official apology.

Only in Canada would someone say “sorry” to a machine. Still, it made the robot world feel very respected that day.

16. Cleopatra’s Perfume Factory

Cleopatra had a personal perfume factory. Archaeologists found its remains in Egypt. The scents were recreated and smelled… odd.

Turns out, ancient royalty loved strong smells. Maybe a little too much.

Still, her perfume game was on point.

17. A Time When France Had No King, Just a Chicken

After a weird legal loop, a French village named a chicken as “king” for a day. It was symbolic, but villagers celebrated with parades and feasts.

The chicken wore a crown. That was its fifteen minutes of fame.

18. Abraham Lincoln’s Wrestling Career

Before politics, Lincoln was a champion wrestler. He only lost one match out of about 300.

One time, after winning, he shouted, “I’m the big buck of this lick!” Sounds more WWE than presidential.

19. A Town Changed Its Name to Get Free Cable

In 1998, a small town in Oregon changed its name to “Half.com” for a year to promote a company. In return, the company gave them money and tech perks.

The town literally sold its name. Some locals were proud. Others? Not so much.

20. The Longest Beard in History Got Its Owner Killed

Hans Langseth had the world’s longest beard—over 17 feet. One day, he tripped over it and died. The beard was real. So was the accident.

Talk about dying in style… or at least in beard.

Why Do Funny Historical Events Matter Today?

Funny moments in history remind us that the past wasn’t all doom and gloom. People have always made mistakes, acted silly, or tried bizarre things. These stories show the human side of those we often see as serious or untouchable.

Also, they make learning fun. It’s easier to remember a history lesson when it includes emus or exploding whales.

So yeah, humor has always had a place in history.

What We Can Learn From the Past’s Weirdest Moments

1. Even powerful people mess up – If Napoleon can be chased by bunnies, we can laugh at ourselves too.
2. Weird decisions are timeless – From ancient rulers to modern presidents, history is full of strange calls.
3. Laughter is a survival tool – People used humor even during tough times. That says a lot.
4. History doesn’t have to be boring – These funny historical events prove that learning about the past can actually be fun.

Also Read: New Hampshire Dumb Laws That’ll Leave You Speechless

Conclusion

History isn’t just about wars and inventions. Sometimes, it’s about failed bird battles, overexcited rabbits, or dancing plagues. These funny historical events remind us that the past had its fair share of oddities, laughs, and pure absurdity.

It also makes us feel a bit better about our own mess-ups. After all, no one reading this has lost a war to emus (hopefully).

So next time someone says history is boring—just show them this list.