1) The Berlin Conference in 1884-1885 divided Africa among European powers and set the stage for the colonization of the continent.

2) In Norse mythology, the Valkyries are divine maidens who serve Odin, the chief god. They are responsible for selecting warriors worthy of entering Valhalla and escorting them to the afterlife. They are often depicted as powerful and beautiful figures, riding winged horses and wielding spears.

3) The Bugatti Veyron, one of the fastest production cars in the world, can reach speeds of over 250 miles per hour (402 km/h).

4) The world's largest diamond, the Cullinan, was discovered in South Africa in 1905 and weighed over 3,000 carats.