Ancient Egypt was one of the most powerful and technologically advanced civilizations in human history. In addition, the pharaoh’s empire continued for thousands of years, making it the longest-lived empire on earth. Here are some of the most shocking facts about the country, which, although they have sunk into oblivion, still fascinate people.
Bandages removed from mummies were used as food wrappers, and this led to a cholera epidemic.
Until recently, anything brought from Egypt caused people wild delight. Mummified bodies were brought to Europe and unwrapped at receptions and parties; of course, most of the bodies were smuggled out.
The fact is that there are a lot of mummies in Egypt. but there is little respect for the dead, the overwhelming number of mummies does not even have historical value.
So it was not only cheap to buy strips of cloth taken from mummified bodies, but in some cases even more profitable than buying paper.
In the early 1900s, an enterprising businessman in the United States decided that you could save a lot of money by wrapping food in mummified body bandages instead of paper. But he wasn’t so lucky. The ingenious plan collapsed, we had to abandon the unfamiliar packaging, because people began to be struck by cholera.
Sometimes servants were put to death to be buried with their master
Ancient Egyptians believed that servants of pharaohs and other prominent figures were killed and buried with their deceased masters, allowing their subjects to worship them in the afterlife.
This ritual was an integral part of Egyptian life, as Egyptians were deeply connected to death and the idea of eternity.
The ritual was a privilege for buried servants and their masters, but it can be disconcerting to know that fate is directly dependent on their master. Copper pills were also used to fight disease and trouble.
In Europe, mummies were eaten for medicinal purposes
Cannibalism, once considered a terrible idea, gained popularity in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries. People believed that eating human flesh could cure various diseases, leading to the dismemberment of mummies and the consumption of blood for blood-related ailments. Despite its current unacceptable status, cannibalism was considered beneficial for health in Europe at the time.
Anyone who dared to offend the Sun God was killed
Ancient Egypt imposed severe punishments for insults and disrespect to the Sun God Ra, including burning alive. This punishment was often accompanied by a ritual, where the guilty person was sacrificed to the gods. Burning was considered unbearably painful and sacred, as it believed the physical body was necessary for the afterlife’s continuation. Despite gods intervening, burning was still the most terrible punishment for Egyptians.
The ancient Egyptians had to deal with various types of parasitic worms
Ancient Egyptians faced foot problems due to their limited shoe choices and exposure to schistosomes, worms, and contaminated drinking water. These worms destroyed internal organs, weakened immune systems, and increased the risk of infections. Additionally, they may have been infected with Guinea worms, which can cause iron deficiency and anemia. To combat these issues, ancient Egyptians may have utilized their ancient technologies and developed protective shoes.
Ancient Egyptian police often beat confessions out of suspects
Ancient Egypt had a legal system and police force, but it was not enough for justice.
Suspects were beaten with sticks to get confessions, and they were expected to confess to their actions, hide stolen goods, and name their accomplices. However, this system was far from ideal, and false confessions were common.
It is impossible to determine the number of innocent people who confessed to crimes they had nothing to do, and false confessions were common.
Because of lice, people constantly had to shave their bodies
In ancient Egypt, people faced extreme heat, limited access to modern amenities, and limited access to modern medicine and hygiene products.
To maintain a comfortable body temperature, avoid diseases, and stay clean, they shaved their heads and bodies regularly, including women. This practice was difficult to cope with, especially for the upper-class, who often wore wigs. Pharaohs often wore fancy gold headdresses to hide their bald heads and showcase their wealth and power.
