Crusades
The Crusades defined the Middle Ages with two centuries of religious warfare between Christianity and Islam. While history books focus on the battles for Jerusalem, the actual campaigns involved bizarre alliances, tragic mistakes, and moments of unexpected chivalry. For instance, the most successful crusade involved no fighting at all. Furthermore, a famous king and sultan exchanged gifts and doctors while their armies killed each other. Prepare to march to the Holy Land.
Christ the Redeemer Statue
Christ the Redeemer stands with open arms over Rio de Janeiro, serving as one of the most recognized symbols of Brazil. While millions of tourists take the train up Corcovado mountain to see the view, few know the statue acts as a massive lightning rod that endures severe weather constantly. For instance, the original design looked completely different, featuring a figure holding a globe instead of open arms. Furthermore, volunteers wrote secret wishes on the stone tiles before gluing them to the surface. Prepare to look up at the Art Deco giant.
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji stands as the ultimate symbol of Japan, a near-perfect cone that has inspired artists and poets for centuries. While millions of tourists view it from the bullet train or climb its slopes every summer, few realize that the mountain is not just a single peak, but a geological layer cake. For instance, the top of the mountain does not belong to the government, but to a religious shrine. Furthermore, the forest at its base is so dense that it reportedly messes with compasses. Prepare to climb the slopes of Fujisan.