Swords are among the most famous. Swords like the Japanese katana were not just weapons but works of art. Samurai were highly skilled in using the katana in battle, and it was a symbol of their honor and status. The katana's sharpness and the techniques used with it made it a formidable instrument of war.
The assassination of Julius Caesar is extremely famous. On the Ides of March in 44 BC, a group of senators, including Brutus, assassinated Caesar. They feared his growing power and his ambition to become a dictator. This event had a profound impact on the Roman Republic, leading to a series of civil wars and ultimately the end of the Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire.
The American colonies' fight for independence from Great Britain can be considered an underdog story. The colonies were relatively small and under - developed compared to the powerful British Empire. But through their guerrilla - style warfare, such as the hit - and - run tactics used by the Minutemen, and their strong belief in independence, they were able to win the war. The Battle of Saratoga was a turning point that showed the world that the underdog colonies could stand up to the mighty British.
There's also the story of Nathan Hale. He was an American spy during the Revolutionary War. He was caught by the British and famously said 'I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country' before being hanged. His story has become a symbol of patriotism and the risks involved in espionage.
The story of the Flying Dutchman is a famous real - history ghost story. It's about a ship that was doomed to sail the seas forever. Sailors claimed to have seen this spectral ship. In Japan, there are stories of the Yurei, which are often female ghosts. One of the most famous is Okiku, who was wronged and killed, and her ghost is said to haunt the place where she died. Also, the haunted plantation houses in the southern United States, like the Myrtles Plantation, have stories of slaves' ghosts and other apparitions, which are part of American history.
The Jack the Ripper murders are extremely famous. In the late 1800s in London, Jack the Ripper killed at least five women, all prostitutes. His identity was never discovered. His modus operandi was very brutal, and his crimes created a great deal of fear in the city. People were terrified to go out at night, especially women in the areas where the murders took place.
The story of Kim Philby is very famous. He was part of the Cambridge Five. Philby was highly respected in British intelligence but was secretly passing information to the Soviets. His betrayal was a huge blow to the Western intelligence community as he had access to top - secret information for a long time.
The story of the Trojan Horse is a very well - known 'instrument of war' true story. The Greeks, unable to penetrate the walls of Troy, built a large wooden horse and hid soldiers inside it. They left it outside the gates of Troy as a supposed offering. The Trojans, thinking it was a gift, brought it inside the city. At night, the Greek soldiers emerged from the horse and opened the gates for the rest of the Greek army, leading to the fall of Troy.
The Amityville Horror is quite famous. The Lutz family claimed to experience all sorts of terrifying paranormal activity in their new home. There were reports of strange noises, slime oozing from the walls, and apparitions. Although some skeptics believe it was a hoax, it remains a well - known real - life ghost story in history.
In modern times, there are stories of people who have been in comas for long periods and then seemingly come back to life. Take Terry Wallis for example. He was in a minimally conscious state for 19 years. Then suddenly one day, he started to regain consciousness and was able to communicate and interact with the world again. His case baffled doctors and became a remarkable story of recovery from a state that was almost like death.
One of the most famous is the Yeti. In the Himalayas, there have been stories of a large, ape - like creature for centuries. Climbers and local people have reported seeing footprints and even brief glimpses of the Yeti. Scientists are still divided on whether it's a real, undiscovered primate or just a legend based on misidentifications.