The Bizarre Practices of Ancient Cultures
Many ancient civilizations engaged in practices that seem outrageous or perplexing by today’s standards.
Mummification Beyond the Egyptians
While most people associate mummification primarily with ancient Egypt, other cultures also practiced this bizarre preservation technique.
- The Chinchorro people, who lived in present-day Chile and Peru, mummified their dead as early as 5000 BCE, making them the earliest known mummies.
- They used a complex process that involved removing organs, dehydrating the body with natural salts, and then reconstructing the face and body using clay.
Strange Burial Customs
Different cultures had unique burial customs that may seem strange today.
1. The Sky Burials practiced by Tibetan Buddhists involve leaving a deceased body on a mountaintop to be consumed by vultures. This is seen as a final act of generosity, returning the body to nature.
2. The Toteninsel or “Isle of the Dead” in ancient Egypt was a sacred burial ground where bodies were often buried with items that they would need in the afterlife, including food, tools, and even pets.
3. The Viking Ship Burials saw prominent individuals buried in ships, often accompanied by weapons, goods, and sometimes even sacrificed animals or slaves.
Strange Artifacts and Discoveries
Archaeology has unearthed numerous strange artifacts that provide insight into ancient cultures and their eccentricities.
The Antikythera Mechanism
Discovered in a shipwreck off the coast of Greece in 1901, the Antikythera mechanism is often referred to as the first known analog computer.
- Dating back to around 150-100 BCE, this intricate device was used to predict astronomical positions and eclipses.
- It consists of a complex system of gears and dials, and its sophistication was not replicated until the 14th century.
Roman Concrete
The durability of Roman concrete is a testament to ancient engineering.
- Modern concrete structures can deteriorate over time, but Roman concrete often strengthens with age.
- The Romans used volcanic ash in their mix, leading to a chemical reaction that makes the concrete more resilient, especially in seawater. This knowledge has only recently been rediscovered and understood.
Unusual Laws and Governance
Ancient societies had legal systems that seem bizarre by modern standards.
The Code of Hammurabi
Dating back to around 1754 BCE, the Code of Hammurabi is one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world.
- It consists of 282 laws and is known for its principle of “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.”
- Some of the laws are particularly strange, such as:
- If a builder constructs a house that collapses and kills the owner’s son, the builder is to be put to death.
- If a woman is unable to bear children, she can offer her maid to her husband to bear children on her behalf.
Ancient Greek Ostracism
In ancient Athens, citizens could vote to exile a fellow citizen for ten years.
- This process was called ostracism, and it was used to protect the city-state from leaders who might become too powerful.
- Citizens would write the name of the person they wanted to ostracize on a piece of pottery (ostrakon). If a person received enough votes, they would be exiled, showcasing a unique form of democratic decision-making.
Curious Beliefs and Superstitions
The ancient world was rife with beliefs and superstitions that often seem strange to us now.
The Romans and Omens
The Romans placed great importance on omens and signs from the gods.
- They would observe the flight patterns of birds, the behavior of animals, and even the entrails of sacrificed animals to determine the will of the gods.
- A common practice was augury, where priests known as augurs would interpret these signs, influencing decisions in politics and war.
The Minoans and Bull-Leaping
The Minoans, an ancient civilization that thrived on the island of Crete, had a peculiar ritual involving bull-leaping.
- Participants would grasp the horns of a bull and leap over its back, a practice believed to symbolize fertility and strength.
- The frescoes found in the Palace of Knossos depict this daring act, showcasing the Minoans' reverence for bulls.
Odd Alliances and Historical Events
History is filled with strange alliances and events that shaped the course of civilization.
The Emu War in Australia
One of the strangest military operations in history occurred in Australia in 1932, known as the Emu War.
- After World War I, soldiers were given land to farm, but emus invaded these lands, causing havoc.
- The Australian government sent soldiers armed with machine guns to combat the emu population. However, the emus proved to be elusive and difficult to capture, resulting in a series of comical failures.
The Dancing Plague of 1518
In July 1518, residents of Strasbourg (then part of the Holy Roman Empire) experienced a strange phenomenon known as the Dancing Plague.
- A woman named Frau Troffea began dancing uncontrollably in the streets, and soon others joined her.
- This bizarre event led to hundreds of people dancing for days without rest, and many reportedly collapsed from exhaustion. Some even died as a result of the frenzy.
Conclusion
Weird ancient history facts reveal the complexities and eccentricities of human civilization throughout the ages. From strange burial customs and bizarre laws to unusual beliefs and peculiar alliances, these fascinating stories provide a glimpse into the lives of our ancestors. Understanding these oddities not only enriches our knowledge of history but also highlights the diverse and often unexpected ways humans have navigated their world. As we explore the past, we discover that what seems strange today may have been entirely normal in the context of ancient societies, reminding us of the ever-evolving nature of human culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the ancient practice of mummifying animals in Egypt?
In ancient Egypt, thousands of animals, especially cats, dogs, and birds, were mummified and buried in elaborate tombs as offerings to the gods or in honor of the deceased.
Did ancient Romans use urine for laundry?
Yes, ancient Romans collected urine in public urinals, which was then used as a source of ammonia to clean clothes, as it acted as a natural bleaching agent.
What bizarre form of punishment was used in ancient Rome?
In ancient Rome, one of the forms of punishment was 'damnatio ad bestias,' where criminals were executed by being thrown to wild animals in public spectacles.
Why did the ancient Greeks hold athletic competitions in the nude?
The ancient Greeks believed that competing in the nude honored the gods and showcased the beauty of the human body, as well as promoting a sense of equality among athletes.
What strange food did ancient Egyptians consider a delicacy?
Ancient Egyptians prized a dish made from fermented fish sauce called 'garum,' which was used as a condiment and considered a delicacy by the wealthy.
What unusual weapon did the Aztecs use in battle?
The Aztecs used a weapon called the 'macuahuitl,' a wooden sword embedded with sharp obsidian blades, capable of inflicting severe injuries during combat.
What was the purpose of the ancient Chinese practice of foot binding?
Foot binding in ancient China was a cultural practice aimed at creating small feet, which were seen as a symbol of beauty and status, often leading to lifelong disabilities.
Did Vikings really use berserkers in battle?
Yes, Vikings had a group of fierce warriors known as berserkers, who were said to enter a trance-like fury during battle, believed to be induced by consuming hallucinogenic substances.
