In continuing a look at ancient civilizations, you will find interesting information that deals with a rather unusual contest once held in ancient Japan, interesting habits of women during ancient Greek times, and fascinating trivia associated with the ways of ancient Rome.
Many centuries before Christ, there was a pony express in Persia. On this ancient route, riders wore headbands of various colors, as they delivered mail across Asia Minor. Sometimes, these riders held the capacity to ride for hundreds of miles without taking a break.
In regards to ancient Greek history, you probably didn’t know that the ruins of Troy are actually located in Turkey. In 290 BCE, Aristarchus became the first Greek astronomer to make a suggestion that the sun was the center of the solar system. In 400 BCE, during the prime of power, the Greek city of Sparta accommodated 25,000 citizens and 500,000 slaves. During ancient Greek times, women counted their age from the date they became a wife.
In ancient Egypt, the apricot was known as the “egg of the sun.” When the time came for residents to pay their taxes, they used honey as payment. During these ancient times, one could also lose their life, it they killed a cat , a crime that was viewed punishable by death.
In the past, Dublin was known to facilitate the largest slave market in the entire world, which was manned by the Vikings.
Did you know that during the Cambrian period, which took place about 500 million years ago, the day lasted for only 20.6 hours?
The slaves of the last emperors of China displayed pigtails so they were more easily noticed. In ancient China, they also made it a practice to use marijuana only as a treatment for dysentery.
In ancient Rome, there were a few interesting facts concerning animals at this time. For instance, there was an ancient Roman belief that birds chose February 14th as the date when they mated. When preparing a Roman feast, the presence of a flamingo tongue was seen as a well-known delicacy. Instead of a cat, ancient Romans relied on weasels to catch their mice. A law in the Roman Empire was passed, which stated that all young maidens were to be fed rabbit meat because it was thought that it would make them more attractive and “willing.” The Roman emperor named Caligula actually made his horse a senator.
In ancient Japan, there were actually public contests in a particular town, which saw who could “pass gas” the longest, as well as the loudest. Winners were given prizes and were highly regarded throughout their region.
During the 10th century, the Grand Vizier of Persia (named Abdul Kassam Ismael) is said to have transported his library with him wherever he traveled. He toted along 117,000 volumes, which were fastened onto the backs of 400 camels, who were trained to walk in alphabetical order.
In 1281, the Mongol army of Kublai Khan attempted to take over Japan, but failed in their efforts, as a hurricane completely destroyed their fleet.