They say images are worth a thousand words, well then these photographs are the equivalent to a thousand history books.

National Geographic

What you're seeing is the very first picture taken of the Machu Picchu ruins, when explorer Hiram Bingham discovered them in 1911. Even though it was uncovered over 100 years ago, we still don't know much about the settlement. That's mostly because the Incas didn't have a formal writing system, so its mystery will remain hidden forever. If you're a Law & Order fan, you'll enjoy this next defense strategy.

Jim Damaske/Tampa Bay Times

In 1983, three exotic dancers from Florida were put on trial for supposedly violating the county's anti-nudity ordinance. In their defense, the dancers claimed their outfits did indeed cover enough skin, and actually didn't violate the ordinance. One dancer in particular even bent over in front of the judge to prove her point. Both World Wars claimed many lives, but what about the non-human lives?

National Geographic

During World War I, poison gas attacks claimed the lives of more than 90,000 soldiers! But what most people don't realize is that humans weren't the only ones to suffer. Horses, donkeys, and dogs were used by armies to supply transportation, along with other jobs. These animals had to be protected from the deadly gasses, as well! Speaking of non-human, we bet you've never seen a tree like this before!

AW Ericson/Humboldt State University Library

During the time of the Gold Rush, California was growing at a rapid rate and huge amounts of timber were needed for the development. The industry then began using the redwood forests, which were filled with the tallest, most massive tree species on Earth. This picture was taken in 1915, in Humboldt County, California. Since we're talking about California, check out the beginnings of the entertainment industry.

Disneyland Resort

On July 16, 1954, the construction of Disneyland began. To keep an eye on the progress, Walt Disney made a visit to the site several times a week. A television series was aired on ABC, which featured programs from the different Disneyland realms, was used to fund the park. On July 17, 1955, the park finally opened! You might be a bit surprised by the next picture.

German Federal Archive

One of Hitler's closest associates and loyal followers was Joseph Goebbels. This picture is the day he married Magda Quandt on December 19, 1931. Hitler was his best man! Hitler was very fond of Goebbels' wife and often performed as the intermediary when they fought. If you've ever been on the NYC subway, this picture won't surprise you!

Beltmann/CORBIS

On October 27, 1904, the New York City subway line took its very first ride. This picture you see here is of City Hall, the original southern terminal station of the Manhattan Main Line. In 1945, due to the small size and shape of the station, passenger service was discontinued to provide for the growing number of riders. Whether you're a fan of the Beatles or a fan of The Rolling Stones, you'll most definitely appreciate the next picture.

Victor Blackman/Express

In the 1960s, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were the two biggest rock bands. During that time, they hung out in the same crowds, so their interaction was inevitable. This picture shows Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger on a train heading to Bangor on August 5th, 1967. Seeing two idols together is pretty amazing, but imagine seeing four!

Clarence McConnell

This picture, taken in 1921, is monumental! In it you'll see car manufacturer Henry Ford, the inventor Thomas Edison, President Warren Harding, and of course, the tire mogul, Harvey Firestone. Since Ford and Edison were good friends, they could frequently be seen on camping trips together. Later, they began inviting other men on their trips, like Harding and Firestone. If you know your pictures, you might know who took the next one!

Friedrich Seidenstücker

German photographer, Friedrich Seidenstücker, specialized in portraits of people and animals. He's widely known for his photos of the ruins of Berlin after WWII. This famous portrait of an archer is appropriately titled "Concentration Before The Arrow Is Fired." You've probably never seen the walk of shame photographed quite like this before.

Getty Images

On August 26, 1944, the French General, Charles De Gaulle, was joined by thousands of joyful citizens on a march for liberation. What you see here is two women, with swastikas drawn on their foreheads, being marched down the streets in shame for siding with the Nazis. This next picture is truly the epitome of capturing a doomed fate on film.

USDOE

This is a picture of a nuclear test that was performed by the Russian government during the Cold War. Yuzhny Island was a test site for nuclear weapons for 50 years! A total of 43 below-ground eruptions were performed here. Due to exposure, inhabitants of the islands were found to have health problems decades later, such as cancerous growths, and babies born with physical and mental disabilities. If you're a fan, you probably know this next bit of trivia!

Robert Lebeck

You most likely know that this is Elvis Presley, but did you know he served in the U.S. Army for two years? Yes, that's right. On March 24, 1958, Presley was drafted! During his time served, his mother died from hepatitis, he began using amphetamines, and he met his future wife, Priscilla Beaulieu. This picture was taken in October of 1958, when his division arrived in Friedberg, Germany. Could you ever imagine being a bulletproof vest tester?

Library Of Congress

A company called Protective Garment Corporation was manufacturing the very first bulletproof vest in 1923, for police in New York. What you see here is a live demonstration that took place in Washington D.C. for the Frederick County Police Department. Inventor W.H. Murphy and his assistant are the demonstrators. You may think you're a cool guy, but honestly, you'll never be this cool.

Yul Brynner

While onstage in 1955, Frank Sinatra walked in front of his audience, with a glass of Jack Daniel's, and stated that is was "the nectar of the gods." Doing that made him the unofficial brand ambassador of the whiskey. After that, the company made sure he was never without a glass of whiskey in his hand. In this picture you see him arriving in Hollywood with, of course, a glass of Jack Daniel's.