Bizarre Historical Practices

In medieval Europe, animals were sometimes put on trial for crimes. Pigs, rats, and even insects faced charges and could be executed. These trials were conducted with surprising seriousness, reflecting the era's unique blend of superstition and legalism.

In Victorian England, post-mortem photography was common. Families would pose with deceased loved ones for keepsake photos. This practice, while morbid by today's standards, was a way to memorialize the dead in a time when photography was rare and precious.

Contrary to popular belief, vomitoriums were not places for Romans to vomit during feasts. The term actually refers to the passageways in amphitheaters where crowds could 'spew out,' or exit, quickly. The myth likely arose from misunderstandings of Roman dining habits.

For nearly a thousand years, Chinese women practiced foot-binding, breaking and tightly binding feet to achieve tiny, 'lotus' feet. This painful tradition was seen as a mark of beauty and social status, despite its debilitating effects on women’s mobility and health.

During the Victorian era, mourning jewelry made from the hair of deceased loved ones was popular. These intricate pieces were worn as mementos, reflecting the era's fascination with death and the elaborate customs surrounding mourning and remembrance.

Animals on trial often had legal representation, with lawyers presenting defenses on their behalf, reflecting the period's complex legal systems.