Fiery finery: in ancient legends the combustible cloak was a weapon for exacting revenge

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.

Portrayals, Myths and legends, Flammable textiles, Hercules (Mythological figure), Combustion, Spontaneous

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People illustrated: in antiquity tattoos could beautify, shock, or humiliate

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.

History, Tattooing

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A time of giants and monsters; the discovery of huge bones in antiquity spawned vivid and imaginative myths

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.

Criticism and interpretation, Fossils, Collections and collecting, Paleontology, Mythology, Miocene Epoch

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