In 897, Pope Stephen VI ordered the body of his predecessor, Pope Formosus, to be exhumed, dressed in papal robes and placed before an ecclesiastical court.
Known today as the Cadaver Synod, the spectacle emerged from a violent political struggle over control of medieval Rome. Formosus was declared guilty—but the judgment was later overturned.
Real events. Ridiculous circumstances.
#History #MedievalHistory #HistoryShorts #RomeHistory
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oddcidents.substack.com (https://oddcidents.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
31 Aug 2026
The Balloon Bombs That Flew Backwards 🎈
In 1849, Austrian forces besieging Venice tested an extraordinary weapon: unmanned paper balloons carrying timed explosives.
The balloons had no steering system. They depended on carefully calculated winds—and when those winds changed, most missed their target while some reportedly drifted back toward Austrian positions.
Real events. Ridiculous circumstances.
#History #Venice #BalloonBombs #MilitaryHistory #HistoryShorts
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oddcidents.substack.com (https://oddcidents.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
31 Aug 2026
America Actually Built a Bat Bomb 🦇
During World War II, the United States investigated Project X-Ray: a plan to release hibernating bats carrying miniature timed incendiaries.
The concept survived years of development, multiple military agencies and approximately $2 million in spending—before being cancelled in 1944.
Real events. Ridiculous circumstances.
#History #WWII #BatBomb #ProjectXRay #WeirdHistory #HistoryShorts #shorts
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oddcidents.substack.com (https://oddcidents.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
31 Aug 2026
London Was Once Flooded With Beer 🍺
On 17 October 1814, a massive porter vat failed at London’s Horse Shoe Brewery. The rupture damaged other containers and sent a destructive flood through the crowded St Giles neighbourhood.
Eight people died. Despite later stories, reliable contemporary evidence does not show Londoners holding a drunken street party in the spilled beer.
Real events. Ridiculous circumstances.
#Oddcident #LondonBeerFlood #HistoryShorts #shorts
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oddcidents.substack.com (https://oddcidents.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
31 Aug 2026
Acoustic Kitty: The CIA’s Strangest Spy 🙀
In 1964, the CIA began exploring an unusual surveillance platform: a cat equipped with a microphone, transmitter and concealed antenna.
The technology reportedly worked. Convincing the cat to follow the mission plan did not. The project ended in 1967 after being judged impractical for operational use.
Real events. Ridiculous circumstances.
#Oddcident #AcousticKitty #CIA #ColdWar #HistoryShorts
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oddcidents.substack.com (https://oddcidents.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
31 Aug 2026
The US Ship That Accidentally Torpedoed the President 🦅
In 1943, the USS William D. Porter had one job: protect President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
During a training exercise, the crew accidentally launched a live torpedo toward the USS Iowa—the battleship carrying him.
The Iowa turned just in time.
A real historical disaster that somehow ended without anyone being hurt.
#History #MilitaryHistory #WWII #Shorts
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oddcidents.substack.com (https://oddcidents.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
31 Aug 2026
Australia Sent Soldiers to Fight Emus… and Lost 🐦
In 1932, Australian soldiers armed with Lewis machine guns were deployed after emus damaged farms in Western Australia.
The operation struggled, the emus kept escaping, and the soldiers were eventually recalled.
Australia had machine guns.
The emus had legs.
#GreatEmuWar #History #HistoryFacts #FunnyHistory #DidYouKnow #Australia #Shorts
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oddcidents.substack.com (https://oddcidents.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
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