Article Abstract:
Greek legends of combustible robes may have a basis in fact as well as reflecting social anxieties concerning women's control of the textile arts, which often involved handling dangerous substances. Volatile substances such as petroleum products, sulphur and lime were commonly used for making clothing and could have caused garments to burst into flame, as in the tales associated with Herakles and Medea. In addition, the 'tunica molesta,' a shirt impregnated with naphtha and set afire, was used as a punishment for criminals by ancient Greeks and Romans.
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Article Abstract:
Tattoos have served a variety of functions besides the decorative. In antiquity, they were also used for punishment, magical protection or relief of pain. War prisoners and slaves were often tattooed. Tattoos were regarded as demeaning by the Greeks and Romans, who were surprised by their voluntary use in other cultures. Tattooing was the most technically and artistically accomplished among the Scythians.
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Article Abstract:
The possible relation of the heroes and giants of classical mythology to the paleontological discoveries of anient times is discussed. The second-century geographer Pausanias' 'Guide to Greece' contains many paleontological discoveries. The world's first paleontological museum was established by the Roman emperor Augustus at his villa on Capri.
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