During the 16th century after the end of Norwegian rule in Greenland, Portugal claimed the island in the name of King Manuel I of Portugal. This “rule” was short and brief.
Fun Fact: Portuguese Greenland
Fun Fact: Quarantine
The English word quarantine comes from the Venetian word quarantena, meaning “forty days.” It was referring to the period all ships were to be isolated during the Black Plague epidemic.
Fun Fact: Ancient Straws
The first known type of drinking straws were made by ancient Sumerians. They used it to drink beer which then had many solid parts due to an imperfect fermentation process.
Fun Fact: Six Flags of Texas
What is now the State of Texas had at one point been ruled by six nations. They are Spain, France, Mexico, Republic of Texas, Confederacy (though never a real nation), and of course the United States.
Fun Fact: Rene Descartes
Rene Descartes was a French philosopher in the 17th century who many consider to be a founder of modern philosophy. His best known statement was Cogito, ergo sum, which was Latin for “I think, therefore I am.”