pre-refrigeration food preservation drying curing

Before refrigerators, warm places had few ways to keep food cold

Before artificial refrigeration, people in warm climates usually could not keep food cold unless they had access to natural ice, cool caves, or similar places. Drying, salting, curing, and other methods were therefore important for preserving extra food.

A geography mistake helped convince Columbus that Asia was close

180° of Earth’s circumference

Ptolemy thought Europe and Asia stretched across 180° of Earth's circumference. This made the Atlantic seem much narrower than it really is and helped convince Christopher Columbus that he could reach Asia by sailing west.

In Sweden, a jury can protect someone even from the judge

In certain Swedish press-freedom trials, a jury of nine decides whether the defendant is guilty. At least six must vote for conviction. Even then, a judge can overturn the guilty finding. But if the jury acquits the defendant, the judge cannot reverse it—giving the jury a special power to protect freedom of expression.

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pre-refrigeration food preservation drying curing

Before refrigerators, warm places had few ways to keep food cold

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