We’ve all heard some pretty gross things about history, from the smell of medieval cities to the unhygienic practices of certain ancient civilizations. But did you know that there are some truly stomach-churning facts about our past? Here’s a look at some of the most revolting tidbits from the annals of history.
One of the most nauseating habits in history was the practice of “gut-scraping” or “scraping off entrails”. The practice was popular among warriors who believed that by scraping off their own entrails they coud gain courage and bravery in battle. This gruesome act involved cutting open one’s stomach and literally scraping out their guts with a knife or other sharp object. Needless to say, this incredibly painful and unpleasant act had a high mortality rate.
In Ancient Rome, public restrooms were anything but sanitary. Visitors would sit on marble benches equipped with holes for them to relieve themselves into below. Unfortunately, these holes drained directly into an open sewer beneath which was filled with human waste – no one wants to think about what it must have smelled like! To make matters worse, slaves were sent in daily to clean up the mess but were rarely provided with proper protective clothing or masks.
The Middle Ages were home to some rather disgusting medical practices as well. Bloodletting was a common treatment for many ailments and illnesses, but it wasn’t always done in a safe and sterile manner. Patients would often be bled into bowls which were then placed near windowsills so that flies could drink from them – yes, seriously! In some cases, doctors would even prescribe treatments such as eating earthworms or drinking urine as a cure for various maladies – yuck!
These are just a few examples of some truly revolting facts about our past – there are plenty more where those came from! From bizarre medical treatments to unbelievably unsanitary public restrooms, it’s safe to say that history is full of some pretty gross stuff. Let us know what you think in the comments below!
NSFW History Facts
NSFW (not safe for work) history facts can be quite shocking. For example, Ancient Egyptians believed that the god of creation birthed the world by masturbating and viewed it as a magical act. This view was based on the belief that semen contained life-giving properties. The Romans were also known to engage in practices commonly viewed as taboo today, such as having group sex and public orgies. In addition, during the Victorian era, women were often prescribed vibrators as a form of medical treatment for hysteria.
More recently, in 1677, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek was the first person to discover sperm after putting his own semen undr a microscope. He noted that each sperm cell contained tiny “animalcules” and described them in detail in his letters to the Royal Society of London. Finally, some Native American tribes practiced a form of ritualistic wife swapping called “ghost marriage” which involved men trading their wives with another man for sexual gratification or for other reasons such as peace between warring tribes.
Weird But True Facts
Weird but true facts include that the stage before frostbite is known as “frostnip” and refers to a mild form of cold-induced numbness or pain in the skin. People who suffer from boanthropy believe they are a cow and will try to live their life as a cow. Every continent except Antarctica has at least one McDonald’s, making it one of the most widespread chains in the world. A duel between thee people is called a truel, which was popularized by Miguel de Cervantes in Don Quixote. Baked beans aren’t actually baked—they’re usually stewed or pressure-cooked in tomato sauce. The average person walks the equivalent of five times around the world in their lifetime. The longest word published in a major English dictionary is 189,819 letters long and refers to a protein found in Titin, a type of muscle fiber.
Conclusion
In conclusion, gross things in history have been around for centuries and have shaped the corse of many events. From gods being worshipped through masturbation to pirates like Ching Shih, there are many instances of grossness that have had a lasting impact on our culture and world. While some of these moments may seem shocking today, they provide us with a unique perspective on how people used to live and think. Whether it’s Paul Revere’s false shouting of “The British are coming!” or Marie Antoinette’s 100 imposters claiming to be her dead son, gross things in history offer us insight into a past we may never fully understand.