The Bizarre and Dangerous Beauty Trends of Ancient Times

The Pope's Grudge

Popes generally didn't like each other very much when they left "the office" (meaning that they died). So, in one famous moment, a pope ordered the previous pope's body to be dug up. He then cut off the former pope's middle finger and forced that finger to stand trial for "crimes against Christianity." Naturally, the living pope won the battle, and the former pope's body was thrown into the Tiber river. 

Cemetary Party!!

Cemeteries used to serve as town halls, and they hosted events like elections, trials, and even plays. Sex workers frequented cemeteries to pick up mourning single individuals. People would escape the town and head for the cemetery for a good time when the ale ran out at the tavern. 

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The More You Know

  • Singapore plans to build floating burbs.
  • Alexander the Great encouraged his men to shave so enemies couldn't grab their beards during battles.
  • In the late 1600s, London was plagued by an attacker who would spank his victims with a rod and shout "Spanko!" before running away.
  • The longest tennis rally lasted over 12 hours.
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Post originally appeared on Upbeat News.