We all love discovering secrets from ancient times and you’d be surprised just how incredible these secrets can be. In this post, we’ll look at 12 fascinating facts about old civilizations that might surprise even the most knowledgeable history buffs.
The Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt Were Buried with Boats
Intriguingly, many Egyptian pharaohs were not just buried with treasures and jewels, but also with full-sized boats. These “solar boats” were intended to carry them through the afterlife, symbolizing their eternal journey across the heavens with the sun god, Ra. Archaeologists have uncovered these boats near pyramids, suggesting that they played a critical role in the religious and spiritual life of the pharaohs.
The Aztecs Used Chocolate as Currency
Long before the modern craze for chocolate bars and cocoa, the Aztec civilization used cacao beans as a form of currency. These beans were so valuable that they could buy goods and services and were even collected as taxes. This usage highlights the rich cultural and economic significance of chocolate in ancient Mesoamerican societies.
Romans Had Heated Floors
The Romans were ahead of their time with a heating innovation known as the ‘hypocaust.’ This system involved a raised floor under which hot air, generated by a furnace, was circulated. This method allowed them to keep their abodes warm during chilly months, demonstrating their advanced understanding of engineering and comfort.
Mayans Invented The Mesoamerican Ballgame
The ancient Mayans developed a sport known as the Mesoamerican ballgame, which was played with a heavy rubber ball. This game was not just for recreation; it held deep religious significance, often involving rituals that could end in human sacrifice for the losers, reflecting the brutal yet profound cultural practices of the time.
The First Known Strike Happened in Egypt
One of the earliest documented strikes occurred in ancient Egypt when artisans working on the royal necropolis at Deir el-Medina halted their work. The strike was a protest against delayed rations, indicating that even in ancient times, workers sought to assert their rights and demand fair treatment.
Ancient Greeks Perfected Central Heating
Building on techniques possibly borrowed from their neighbors, the Greeks refined their heating technology known as “hypocaust,” a system that heated homes and public baths. This early form of central heating underscores the Greeks’ innovation in creating comfortable living environments.
Vikings Used Sunstones for Navigation
The Vikings, known for their bold explorations, utilized a unique navigational tool known as a sunstone. These crystals helped them pinpoint the sun’s position, even on overcast days, facilitating their navigation across the North Atlantic’s challenging waters.
The Great Wall of China Wasn’t Just One Wall
What many think of as the Great Wall of China was actually an extensive network of walls and fortifications. Constructed over several dynasties, this complex structure was not only a defensive barrier but also played roles in border control and trade regulation along the Silk Road.
Sumerians Created the First Writing System
The Sumerians are credited with developing cuneiform, the world’s first writing system. Initially designed for simple record-keeping, this system evolved into a robust method for documenting laws, folklore, and business transactions, laying the groundwork for future literary and administrative practices.
Pompeii Had Street Food
The ancient city of Pompeii was home to numerous snack bars, known as thermopolia, which catered to the bustling urban population. These establishments are evidence of a vibrant street food culture, offering quick meals for citizens and travelers alike, much like modern fast-food outlets.
Inca Engineering Used No Mortar
The Incas demonstrated remarkable engineering skills in their construction techniques, which involved precisely cut stones that fit together without mortar. This method not only contributed to the longevity of their structures but also provided resilience against the frequent earthquakes in the region.
Medieval Samurai Paid in Rice
In feudal Japan, samurais were often compensated with rice instead of money. This form of payment highlights the importance of rice as a fundamental economic and dietary staple, reflecting its intrinsic value in Japanese culture and society.
