The Totally Gross History Of Ancient Rome

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.

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.

A unique overview of the fashion and dress, diet, hygiene, medicine, and other cultural aspects of the ancient Chinese. This entertaining yet informative book details practices that may seem peculiar to today’s students, while respectfully contextualizing another culture and time, especially one as ancient, rich, and foundational as that of ancient China. Readers are drawn in by the sometimes distasteful details—the fun “gross-out” factor—but also gain an appreciation of the inventiveness, sophistication, and practicality of the ancient Chinese. Overall, this title is a lively exploration of the scientific and cultural practices of a pre-modern civilization.

Bloody sacrifices, disgusting diets, and shocking religious rituals are some of the gruesome aspects of the totally gross history of Mesoamerica. Concise and entertaining, this text covers some of the more nauseating facts about pre-Columbian Mesoamerica (the region spanning Central America). The gruesome details about the Mesoamerican diet, religion, and medicine will shock readers. But beyond the ickiness, this fascinating title also introduces its audience to the significant contributions of this important culture, as well as the tools that historians and archaeologists use to study ancient life.

This entertaining volume reveals some of the grossest practices in hygiene, dining, fashion, and medicine of Medieval Europe. Serfs often smelled bad, and they bathed and relieved themselves in streams filled with garbage. Wealthier individuals who had bathrooms produced waste that was sent down chutes into the castle moat. Peasants and nobles commonly consumed animal parts that today we would consider less appetizing, including paws, brains, stomachs, and lungs. Poor nutrition resulted in rotting teeth and scurvy. Doctors were woefully backward in treating patients, using odd remedies such as ground-up worms, bloodletting through leeches, and spreading animal dung on wounds.

Unlock the secrets of the mighty Romans­­--one of history's greatest people. Journey across the world as you track down the Roman Empire. Find out what it meant to be a slave and how you could work your way to freedom. Discover disgusting Roman manners, what the Romans did to look good, and dig up the gory truth about gladiators as you hunt down the secrets of the dead! The Capstone Interactive edition comes with simultaneous access for every student in your school and includes read aloud audio recorded by professional voice over artists.

Mummies—dead bodies elaborately wrapped up—might rank pretty high on the scale of all things disgusting. But readers should be ready for an eye-opening read on some of ancient Egypt’s gross history, such as the dirty details of what really happens to bodies as they’re prepared for mummification, in this book. This gleefully gut-churning volume offers up some very vile medicinal practices, culinary delicacies, political and battle practices, and more. Readers will come away from this memorable read with a fresh perspective on the lives and customs of this famous (and now famously gross) ancient civilization.