Pirate Fact Seventeen

Ching Shih was a Cantonese prostitute who was captured by pirates and in 1801 married Zheng Yi who was one of the most powerful pirate leaders. She became immersed in the pirate life and learned the military tactics and techniques that Zheng Li used. Zheng Li died in November 1807 and Ching Shih took over the leadership position. At her peak she commanded over 300 ships and as many as 40,000 pirates that controlled the coast of South China as the Red Flag Fleet. She decided to retire from piracy in 1810 when the Chinese government offered her amnesty.


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St Sixtus I Seventh Pope

St Sixtus I was the seventh Pope from 115 to 125. His name has also been documented as Xystus. He was born in Rome in 42 AD. Pope Sixtus I is credited with passing three ordinances: 1) that none but sacred ministers are allowed to touch the sacred vessels which includes the chalice, paten and ciborium, 2) that bishops who have been summoned to the Holy See shall upon their return not be received by their diocese except upon presenting Apostolic letters, 3) that after the Preface of the Mass the priest shall recite the Sanctus with the people. The Holy See refers to the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Catholic Church in Rome and currently is Vatican City.The Sanctus is a hymn that is sung or spoken as the final words of the prayer of consecration of the bread and wine. He is listed as a martyr but how he died is not known. His Feast day is April 6th. 

Ancient Seven Wonders of the World Fact Sixteen

The distance between the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and the Colossus of Rhodes was about 69.9 miles or 112.55 km.


Ancient Seven Wonders page

Knights Templar Fact Sixteen

The Knights Templar followed the Rule of St Benedict when they established the order. It had 73 chapters set forth by St Benedict around 530 AD for his monks to follow. 


Knights Templar page

Viking Fact Sixteen

Danish Vikings launched a siege on Paris starting in November 885 that lasted 11 months. They used 700 ships and 40,000 men in the assault.


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American Civil War Fact Sixteen

Among the differences between the North and South were their life styles. The North was an urban society and the jobs were in the city. The South was mostly agricultural where people lived on farms or plantations or in small towns.


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Ancient Egypt Fact Sixteen

Legendary King Menes founded the city of Ineb-Hedj around 3100 BC which became the capital. Ineb-Hedj translated as "The White Walls". It later changed to Memphis which is a Greek translation for "the good place". The location was 12 miles or 20 km south of the current capital Cairo. 


Ancient Egypt page