The Terracotta Army is a collection of thousands of life-sized terracotta figures depicting soldiers, chariots, and horses, created to accompany Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. Discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well, each of the estimated 8,000 soldiers features unique facial details and expressions. Originally, they were armed with real weapons and painted in vibrant colors, though much of the paint has faded. The army, part of a vast mausoleum complex, took decades and 700,000 laborers to construct, reflecting the emperor's obsession with immortality and his desire to maintain his imperial power in the afterlife.

Want to learn more? Head over to my website www.funfactsdailypod.com and be sure to listen to my other podcasts Who ARTed: Weekly Art History for All Ages or Art Smart. For family fun, check out my son's podcast Rainbow Puppy Science Lab

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Axolotls are unique aquatic salamanders known for their neoteny, retaining juvenile traits like external gills throughout adulthood. They possess remarkable regenerative abilities, capable of regrowing limbs, organs, and even parts of their brains. Native only to the Xochimilco lake complex in Mexico, they are critically endangered due to habitat loss and pollution. Axolotls have a versatile respiratory system, using gills, lungs, and skin for breathing. Minecraft added axolotls in 2021 to raise awareness about the endangered species, continuing the game's trend of featuring real-world animals. Axolotls have also inspired characters like Toothless from "How to Train Your Dragon" and the Pokémon Wooper. In Mexico, axolotls are a national symbol, notably appearing on the 50-peso banknote that won an award in 2021.

Support Axolotls through the World Wildlife Fund

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What defines a hero? Join us as we uncover inspiring true stories of heroism, from Cher Ami, the legendary WWI carrier pigeon who saved nearly 200 soldiers, to Togo, the brave sled dog pivotal in the 1925 serum run. Explore the epic Greek origins of the word 'hero' and marvel at modern-day courage: a five-year-old girl's fire rescue, a beluga whale's life-saving intervention, and an elder's fearless stand against a polar bear. Plus, get practical emergency preparedness tips, including the basics of CPR. Tune in to bust myths, celebrate incredible acts of bravery from humans and animals alike, and discover what it truly means to be a hero.

Want to learn more? Head over to my website www.funfactsdailypod.com and be sure to listen to my other podcasts Who ARTed: Weekly Art History for All Ages or Art Smart. For family fun, check out my son's podcast Rainbow Puppy Science Lab

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Explore the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris like never before on Fun Facts Daily! Uncover unbelievable Eiffel Tower facts, from its unique puddle iron construction and how the tallest tower in Paris (about 330 meters tall) actually grows taller in the summer, to its surprising history of being initially disliked and its crucial role in World War I. Learn the truth behind Victor Lustig's infamous plot to sell the Eiffel Tower for scrap. Learn why many prominent Parisians initially detested this now-beloved symbol of Paris, and how it was only intended to stand for 20 years before its crucial role as a radio transmission tower saved it from being dismantled. Discover the secrets of its rapid construction, assembled like a giant Meccano set from over 18,000 prefabricated parts, and the history of its many paint jobs, including its current signature graded brown. Learn fun facts, a word of the day and some practical tips in just a few minutes every day.

Want to learn more? Head over to my website www.funfactsdailypod.com and be sure to listen to my other podcasts Who ARTed: Weekly Art History for All Ages or Art Smart. For family fun, check out my son's podcast Rainbow Puppy Science Lab

Fun Facts Daily is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected]

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Dive deep into the multifaceted life of Benjamin Franklin in this episode of Fun Facts Daily! We unravel the truth behind the legendary kite and key experiment – did Franklin really "discover" electricity, or is there more to the story? Discover fascinating insights into Franklin's daily "air baths," his practical inventions like bifocals and the Franklin stove (which he famously didn't patent!), and his pivotal role as America's first Postmaster General. Learn how this iconic Founding Father's diplomatic genius secured French support during the Revolution, explore his personal quest for moral perfection through 13 virtues, and pick up timeless productivity tips from his famed daily schedule. Get ready for a comprehensive look at the man, the myth, and the enduring legacy of Benjamin Franklin, a cornerstone of American history.

Want to learn more? Head over to my website www.funfactsdailypod.com and be sure to listen to my other podcasts Who ARTed: Weekly Art History for All Ages or Art Smart. For family fun, check out my son's podcast Rainbow Puppy Science Lab

Fun Facts Daily is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected]

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Explore the world of maple syrup on Fun Facts Daily! This episode dives into the fascinating process of "sugaring," where 40 gallons of sap boil down to one gallon of syrup. Discover how freeze-thaw cycles trigger sap flow, and learn about the Indigenous origins of syrup production. We also cover maple syrup grading, the dominance of Quebec's production, tips for storing pure syrup, and the unbelievable story of the Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist, where thousands of tons of liquid gold were stolen! Perfect for those curious about natural sweeteners, Canadian history, and food facts.

Want to learn more? Head over to my website www.funfactsdailypod.com and be sure to listen to my other podcasts Who ARTed: Weekly Art History for All Ages or Art Smart. For family fun, check out my son's podcast Rainbow Puppy Science Lab

Fun Facts Daily is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected]

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Explore the mysteries and wonders of Machu Picchu. Discover the truth behind the legend of the "lost city of the Incas," learn about the Quechua language and its significance to the site's name, and uncover five fascinating facts about this ancient Incan citadel nestled high in the Andes Mountains. From incredible Incan engineering feats without wheels or iron tools to the astronomical significance of the Intihuatana stone, delve into the history and purpose of Machu Picchu.

Want to learn more? Head over to my website www.funfactsdailypod.com and be sure to listen to my other podcasts Who ARTed: Weekly Art History for All Ages or Art Smart. For family fun, check out my son's podcast Rainbow Puppy Science Lab

Fun Facts Daily is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected]

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Leonardo da Vinci was the ideal Renaissance figure. He was a polymath accomplished in not only art, but also several scientific fields. He sketched studied and wrote filling notebooks with a curious backward writing. Leonardo used mirror writing likely because he was left handed and it helped him to avoid smearing the ink.

Learn about the theft of Leonardo's masterpiece, The Mona Lisa along with fun facts, a word of the day and some advice to help you improve your own drawing skills.

Related episodes:

Who ARTed | The Mona Lisa Vanishes

Want to learn more? Head over to my website www.funfactsdailypod.com and be sure to listen to my other podcasts Who ARTed: Weekly Art History for All Ages or Art Smart. For family fun, check out my son's podcast Rainbow Puppy Science Lab

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Flamingos are an odd and interesting bird. Despite their delicate appearance, they are hearty creatures with a long lifespan compared to other birds. Their peculiar habit of standing on one leg may look difficult but scientists believe it actually helps them conserve energy. Learn more about these brightly colored birds, including how they get that signature pink hue.

Want to learn more? Head over to my website www.funfactsdailypod.com and be sure to listen to my other podcasts Who ARTed: Weekly Art History for All Ages or Art Smart. For family fun, check out my son's podcast Rainbow Puppy Science Lab

Fun Facts Daily is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected]

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This episode delves into the world of the Catholic Pope, exploring the historical and spiritual significance of the Papacy. Learn about the "Conclave," the secret election process in the Sistine Chapel with its iconic smoke signals, and discover fascinating facts about Vatican City, the smallest sovereign state. The "Warrior Pope" Julius II and the bizarre "Cadaver Synod" are also highlighted.

Related episode:

Who ARTed | The Sistine Chapel Ceiling

Want to learn more? Head over to my website www.funfactsdailypod.com and be sure to listen to my other podcasts Who ARTed: Weekly Art History for All Ages or Art Smart. For family fun, check out my son's podcast Rainbow Puppy Science Lab

Fun Facts Daily is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices