Dirty Little Facts About Ancient Greece
When we think of ancient Greece, we often imagine a society filled with philosophical ideas, stunning architecture, and grandeur. However, beneath the surface of this magnificent civilization lie a few dirty little facts that might surprise you. From their personal hygiene to their strange beauty practices, ancient Greeks had some quirks that challenge our romanticized perception of their society.
1. Lack of Personal Hygiene:
Contrary to popular belief, ancient Greeks did not prioritize personal hygiene as much as we do today. While they did bathe regularly, they often used a mixture of olive oil and dirt to clean their bodies, which acted as a soap substitute. Consequently, rather than feeling refreshed after a bath, they would have felt greasy and their skin probably smelled unpleasant.
2. Unkempt Body Hair:
Today, many of us strive for smooth skin, but ancient Greeks embraced body hair. Both men and women let their hair grow naturally, and it was considered a sign of vitality and attractiveness. Beards were particularly admired in men, as they represented masculinity and wisdom. However, Greek soldiers would often shave their heads, as they believed it provided an advantage in battle.
3. Distorted Body Images:
Despite celebrating natural body hair, ancient Greeks had their own beauty standards that might seem unusual to us today. Women idealized lighter skin tones and used white lead powder to achieve a pale complexion, which, unbeknownst to them, had harmful health effects. Men, on the other hand, aimed for a darker and tanned look, symbolizing their time spent outside being active.
4. Limited Clothing Options:
While we often see ancient Greeks depicted wearing elegant robes and togas, the reality was quite different. Most Greeks, especially slaves, could not afford such luxuries. They would typically wear simple, undyed woolen garments, and in some cases, even went completely naked during athletic events. It was only the wealthy elite who could afford elaborate clothing.
5. Peculiar Toilet Etiquette:
Ancient Greeks had an unconventional approach to toilet hygiene. Instead of toilet paper, they used a sponge on a stick called a “tersor” to clean themselves after using the bathroom. This tersor was shared by everyone in public restrooms, and they would simply rinse it in running water before passing it on to the next person.
6. Homoeroticism and Pedophilia:
Though championed for their contributions to philosophy and democracy, ancient Greeks were also known for their acceptance of homoeroticism and pedophilia. It was common for older males to engage in intimate relationships with young boys, usually in mentoring roles. This practice is believed to have shaped societal norms, and it is interesting to note how different our understanding of relationships and consent is today.
While we continue to admire ancient Greece for their many achievements, it’s essential to acknowledge their “dirty little facts” to get a well-rounded understanding of the society. By exploring their unorthodox practices and beliefs, we unearth a more complex picture of this remarkable civilization.
