Ancient Tweezers, Modern Leprosy, Space Rock Recycling
Oct 11, 2023
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PopSci's Laura Baisas discusses ancient tweezers and screams, Rachel explains leprosy past, present, and future, and Sara Kiley talks about tools and weapons made from space rocks. They delve into the mystery of ancient iron artifacts and explore the use of meteorites in construction. The podcast also addresses the increase in leprosy cases and dispels misconceptions about the disease. Additionally, they uncover Roman tweezers and ancient hair removal practices, discussing cultural reasons and comparing them to modern methods.
Archaeological findings in the UK have revealed the use of tweezers for hair removal in ancient Rome, shedding light on the historical perspective on body hair and cultural significance of hair removal.
Hansen's disease, also known as leprosy, is making a comeback in the US with high stigma, but it is easily treatable and efforts are needed for awareness and access to healthcare.
Deep dives
Romans and Hair Removal: The Painful Practice of Armpit Hair Plucking
Archaeologists in the UK have uncovered over 50 Roman tweezers used for plucking armpit hair. This practice, which was painful and performed mostly by slaves, was described by philosophers such as Seneca, who complained about the shrill cries of the armpit hair pluckers. The tweezers were found at the Roxeter Roman city site, which was a bustling urban center during the Roman occupation. Romans placed importance on body hair removal for cultural and religious reasons. Men removed their hair to signify purity, while women removed hair to conform to beauty standards and attract men. This discovery sheds light on the historical practices and attitudes towards hair removal.
The Return of Hansen's Disease: Myths and Facts
Hansen's disease, also known as leprosy, has been making a comeback in the US, particularly in central Florida. However, the disease is often misunderstood and carries unnecessary stigma. Hansen's disease is caused by a bacteria that is hard to transmit and most people's immune systems can fight it off. Only about 5% of the population is susceptible to infection. The disease causes skin lesions and nerve damage, but is easily treatable with antibiotics. Stigma surrounding the disease has its roots in historical misconceptions and discrimination. Efforts are needed to raise awareness and provide access to healthcare and treatment for those affected.
The Fascinating History of Hair Removal Practices in Ancient Rome
Archaeological findings from Roman sites in the UK, such as the Roxeter Roman city, have revealed the use of tweezers for body hair removal, specifically armpit hair. This practice, which was often performed by slaves, was painful and even mentioned by philosophers like Seneca, who criticized the noisy cries of the armpit hair pluckers. In Roman culture, men removed body hair for purity-related reasons, while women focused on beauty standards to attract men. These discoveries shed light on the historical perspective on body hair and the cultural significance of hair removal in ancient Rome.
The Painful Reality of Hair Removal in Ancient Rome
Archaeological excavations in the UK have uncovered over 50 tweezers used for hair removal in ancient Rome. These tweezers were mainly used to pluck armpit hair and were often wielded by slaves, leading to cries of pain and discomfort. This painful hair removal practice was mentioned by philosophers like Seneca, who commented on the loud shrieking sounds made by the armpit hair pluckers. Hair removal in ancient Rome was associated with cultural and religious significance, with men removing hair as a sign of purity and women striving to meet beauty standards. These archaeological findings provide insights into the historical practices and attitudes towards hair removal in ancient Rome.
PopSci's Laura Baisas hops on Weirdest Thing to talk about ancient tweezers (and their accompanying screams), Rachel explains the state of Leprosy in past, present, and future, and Sara Kiley talks about tools and weapons made from space rocks.
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