The Romans used human urine as a mouthwash and teeth whitener. This may seem somewhat disgusting but it was effective. However, even in Roman times, it was not universally popular, as an extract from a poem by Roman poet Catullus, who was not fond of Egnatius, reads: Egnatius, because he Continue Reading
Roman
Norse Gods nearly every weekday
With the exception of Saturday, Sunday and Monday, the days of the week are named after Norse Gods: Sunday Old English Sunnandæg meaning “Sun’s day”. Monday Old English Mōnandæg meaning “Moon’s day”. Tuesday Old English Tīwesdæg meaning “Tiw’s day”. Tiw (Týr in Norse) is a one-handed god associated with law and heroic glory. Continue Reading
Roman Remedies – Gladiator Blood
The Roman’s believed that drinking Gladiator’s blood cured many ailments, including infertility and epilepsy. Pliny the Elder notes in his Natural History (Book XXVIII, II) The blood too of gladiators is drunk by epileptics as though it were a draught of life, though we shudder with horror when in the Continue Reading