Horrible Jobs In Ancient Greece And Rome

Though ancient Greece and Rome had their share of terrible jobs, perhaps the worst was that of the Roman gladiator. He trained endlessly, only to fight for his life anytime entertainment was needed. While some gladiators became rich and famous, most were simply slaughtered. Readers can form their own opinions about the most horrible job in ancient Greece and Rome as they learn surprising information about time-consuming, smelly, and dangerous tasks. Historical images and illustrations highlight horrible laundry practices, food preparation, and living conditions of the time. No detail is too gross to include!

As the 13 colonies grew, they prospered with new industries and trade. However, some of these trades, like tanning animal hides, were unpleasant. In fact, from slaves and indentured servants, to “mad hatters” and risk-taking whalers, jobs in the colonies could be downright horrible! Readers will delight in viewing the colonial world through a different lens while they continue to learn about life in early America. Enhanced by detailed images, the social studies content augments classroom learning through true—though sometimes disgusting—facts and examples of making a living in the 13 colonies.

During the Renaissance, people were pinned into their clothing, even elaborate gowns. Children often had to work as pin makers, a job that paid only about $1 for each 20,000 pins made! Clear—but gross—descriptions of other horrible jobs of the Renaissance will draw readers into the castles of lords and the dung heaps tended by peasants. The historical content supports the social studies curriculum, while sidebars and colorful images augment some of the strangest, nastiest tasks that needed doing during that time.

While the ancient Romans continue to be regarded as highly civilized, there are aspects of ancient Roman life, including the foods that they ate (dormice were a delicacy) and their leisure activities (such as the notorious gladiatorial fights to the death), that seem strange and repellent to us today. This high-interest history book makes use of kids’ fascination with the disgusting to appeal to young readers who might not be as interested in a more straightforward history title. In its own unorthodox manner, the volume covers Roman culture, food, hygiene, medicine, religion, and military might, offering readers a comprehensive—if sometimes stomach-turning—view of ancient Roman life.

During Medieval times, medical practice included bloodletting, leeching, and sometimes sawing off a hand or foot. Those must have been awful jobs! But the poor physicians didn't have it as bad as dung farmers or smelly fullers. Readers will discover the many terrible tasks that needed to be done, all while learning the social and political structure of Medieval Europe. Sidebars and historical images add even more detail for readers to enjoy--horrible though it may be!

What sort of work could job-hunters in Ancient Rome expect to find? They might become a soldier in the most disciplined army in the known world, or a fuller, cleaning other people's dirty laundry by trampling it in vats of urine. What were the pay and conditions like for a doctor or a cook in Ancient Rome? Which were the most dangerous jobs and which the most high status? The book is illustrated throughout with photos of artefacts from the period from the Art Archive and complemented by quirky and humorous but historically accurate drawings by Alex Paterson.

During the Middle Ages, doctors wore body-covering outfits to protect themselves against disease while they rubbed butter and onions all over a plague sufferer's skin! From the embalmers of Ancient Egypt to the charioteers of Greece and Rome, people have held horrible jobs throughout history. Readers will be engrossed--and grossed out--by truly awful occupations from eras common in the social studies curriculum. The main content will include the historical context of each piteous profession, while sidebars and colorful images will engage readers with dirty details of life in the past. * Content adds great grisly information to common topics in the social studies curriculum * Colorful, fun illustrations enhance the main text * Detailed sidebars give descriptive examples of gross and weird jobs from each book's historical period