I read a short story a few years back called “Iron Ankles” by David J. Schwartz.
Then, about four days later, I literally read an article about a mysterious grave that was excavated in Europe, and the person in the grave was wearing iron rings around the ankles.
I immediately sent the link to the author. I was super excited! There’s nothing more awesome than running into artifacts of your imagination, in my mind.
It’s one thing to do your research and describe something you know existed. It’s another thing entirely to go off on a wild hare of the imagination, and come out the other side having dreamed up something that really existed.
I love moments like that.
PS. Read the story if you’ve got time; it’s pretty awesome.