10 Things You Didn't Know About Nelson Mandela

Take notes.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Nelson Mandela changed South African history forever. His name is often mentioned in the same breath as Mahatma Gandhi, and just like that great promoter of equality, Mandela lived a fascinating life, one that your average American student doesn't learn enough about. Yes, he was jailed and was constantly surveilled by an oppressive government, but he also wore disguises while traveling around South Africa, hung out with some of the world’s biggest celebrities, and got married on his 80th birthday for the third time. 

Get educated with these 10 amazing things about Nelson Mandela you probably never knew.

His Nickname Translates To "Troublemaker"

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His Ancestor Was a King

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He Was on Trial for the Same Charges for Six Years, and Acquitted

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He Wore Disguises Around South Africa

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He Served 18 Years on a Prison Island

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He Was Elected President at the Age of 76

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He Hung Out With Michael Jackson and the Spice Girls

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Upon Retiring He Said, "Don't Call Me, I'll Call You"

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He Had His Own Personal Designer

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U2 Wrote a Song For His Biopic

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