Ancient Greece is the birthplace of modern civilization and science. However, as the saying goes, "Every beginning is difficult," and romanticizing this era can be quite misleading—so don’t be fooled!
If a time capsule had been invented, would you want to visit Ancient Greece? If your answer is "Yes," then you're in for a rude awakening because life there was incredibly tough. There's a real chance you wouldn’t survive even a month!
While Medieval Europe was arguably worse than Ancient Greece, it is clear that the Greeks didn’t have the theory of germs, modern medicine, or a complete understanding of human anatomy. Their world was one of constant warfare, plagues, and public executions, where beauty treatments and the weather were life-threatening factors for survival.
1. Primitive Knowledge of Medicine
Ancient Greek medical practices were deeply intertwined with religion and superstitions. For example, epilepsy was believed to be caused by the moon goddess, Selene, and treatments included rituals, sacrifices, and prayers. The healing god Asclepius and his Asclepius temples were thought to offer cures through dreams, which often involved baths, fasting, and purging with laxatives. While psychologically helpful, the lack of scientific basis posed serious risks, especially for treating serious illnesses.
2. Famine
Between 1200 and 800 BC, during the Greek Dark Ages, evidence suggests a population decline due to droughts, famine, and conflicts. Severe droughts at the end of the Bronze Age led to reduced agricultural productivity, contributing to social unrest and the collapse of societies like the Mycenaeans. Ancient Greece, heavily reliant on local production, didn’t have the advantages of international aid, advanced irrigation, or warning systems we have today.
3. Deadly Beauty Practices
The ancient Greeks pursued beauty through lethal practices. White lead, a toxic substance, was used to lighten skin. Rouge, made from plant roots or crushed mulberries mixed with urine, posed infection risks. Kohl, used for darkening eyebrows, was made from lead, antimony, and burned almonds, which could cause various health problems.
4. Surgery Was a Big Risk
Without modern anatomical knowledge, ancient Greek surgeons faced many challenges. While anatomy was studied by Herophilus, the father of anatomy, it was frowned upon in society, leading to risky surgical practices. Combat injuries were treated without understanding sterilization, and cauterization—burning wounds—could lead to severe pain and further damage.
5. Unexplained Deadly Epidemics
The Plague of Athens (430-426 BC) claimed many lives, and its cause is still debated. Mysterious plagues, such as the one during the reign of Marcus Aurelius, left the ancient Greeks vulnerable, without any understanding or effective treatments.
6. A "Cure" Could Be Worse Than the Disease
Bloodletting, a common practice based on the theory of the four humors, was often fatal, leading to severe blood loss, weakness, and shock. Even prominent figures like Hippocrates supported bloodletting, causing harm rather than healing.
7. Life in Sparta Was for the Few
Life in Sparta, known for its military strength, was exceptionally harsh. Boys endured brutal training, strict discipline, and a society centered around war, glorifying death in battle. The physical demands and social expectations would be terrifying for the average modern person.
8. Harsh Legal Framework
Ancient Greek laws were severe, with punishments like death for minor offenses. Draco’s laws in Athens, known as the Draconian laws, included the death penalty for theft or idleness. In Sparta, sentences led to a life of shame, considered a failure, while executions in Greece were brutal, involving poison, stoning, crucifixion, or being thrown off a cliff.
If you survived these challenges, you were truly resilient!
