What are some of the craziest, wildest but definitely true stories from across history?

 Long, a Roman legion formerly under the command of Marcus Crassus was lost in China. Unable to return home, the men were taken prisoner, after which they fought for the Chinese as mercenaries. When their service came to an end, the men were given land in Gansu province. They formed a city of their own named Lijien (also Liqian or Lijian), the word that the Chinese of the day used for legion.

The city is now named Zhelaizhai and has an unusual number of people whose features appear rather Caucasian. This would be because the Roman legionnaires, upon settling in Gansu, took local Chinese wives and had families by them. For centuries they kept rather to themselves and intermarried, preserving their genes. As a result the city still, until now, has a lot of men with the ability to grow thick beards, as well as quite a few people who naturally have dark brown or even blonde hair.

Archaeologists now believe Liqian became present-day Zhelaizhai, China. Excavations in Zhelaizhai unearthed ancient Roman-style fortifications. They also found Roman coins and pottery. Evidence shows that the people of Zhelaizhai had lined the ancient streets with tree trunks. This was a uniquely Roman practice. Also, at least one Roman helmet with Chinese lettering was discovered, all evidence of Roman presence in the area.

Looking at genetic evidence, facial features, physical appearance of the locals as well as the presence of Roman helmets, coins and pottery in the area, it’s hard not believe the story. And hard, also, not to admire just how far Roman legions could make it and still find a way to make strange lands into their home.