Before Common Era
Introduction
Before Common Era, or BCE, refers to the time period before the year 1 of the modern Gregorian calendar was introduced. While this time was undoubtedly filled with significant historical events and advancements, it’s also full of hilarious moments and absurdities. In this article, we’ll take a lighthearted and tongue-in-cheek look at some of the highlights of this time, from the first recorded jokes to the weirdest inventions.
Humorous Highlights
The First Recorded Joke: Believe it or not, people were cracking jokes long before the internet and modern comedy clubs. In 1900 BCE, an ancient Babylonian joke was discovered on a tablet that read, “Something which has never occurred since time immemorial; a young woman did not fart in her husband’s lap.” Who said ancient people didn’t have a sense of humor?
Ancient Wrestling: Wrestling was a popular sport in the BCE era, but it looked a little different than it does today. One bizarre wrestling move, known as the girdle-hold, involved lifting your opponent up by their belt and pinning them down. Let’s just say it’s a good thing WWE didn’t exist back then.
Birth Control Methods: Condoms and birth control pills weren’t invented until much later, so ancient people had to get creative when it came to preventing pregnancy. The Ancient Egyptians, for example, would mix crocodile dung and honey and apply it as a contraceptive suppository. We can’t imagine that was a particularly pleasant experience, but hey, whatever works.
Weird Inventions: While some of the inventions from the BCE era, like the wheel, were truly groundbreaking, others were just plain weird. Take the ancient Greek Antikythera mechanism, for example - a complex geared device that was probably used for astronomical and astrological purposes. Or the Roman pleasure ship, which had a heated swimming pool, a library, and even a temple. We don’t know about you, but we can’t imagine reading a book while floating in a pool of warm water.
Conclusion
While the BCE time period may have been filled with wars, political intrigue, and scientific advancements that changed the world, it’s also important to remember the lighter side of history. From ancient jokes to bizarre inventions, this era was full of humorous moments that remind us that even in the darkest times, people always find ways to laugh and amuse themselves.