Buzz
A year ago, we released a compilation of peculiar historical professions. However, ten odd jobs barely scratch the surface of the countless unusual ways people earned a living in earlier times. This list delves deeper into the classical eras of Greek and Roman civilizations. Many of these roles have since disappeared, leaving us to reflect on what it might have been like to work in such unconventional positions.
10. Silver Miner
This occupation was less about being strange and more about being perilous and grueling. Without robust tools to ease the labor, ancient miners had to extract everything manually, often relying on the small hands of children. Life expectancy in the silver mines was a mere three months, a fact that concerned the Romans little, as slaves performed the work. Young boys were sent down narrow, manually dug shafts that were astonishingly deep. These cramped, sweltering tunnels were prone to collapsing. Outside, the smelting of silver ore released toxic fumes, further compounding the hazards of this deadly profession.
9. Stercorarius
Rome was renowned for its vast sewer network. However, despite this advanced waste management system, many Romans lacked access to it, either because they resided on hills or couldn’t afford plumbing. Even some who could afford it avoided it due to the foul odors, rats, and vermin infesting the sewers. As a result, most households had to find alternative ways to handle their waste. Enter the stercorarius, who would go from house to house collecting human excrement and transporting it to the outskirts of town. Farmers purchased the waste for fertilizing crops, making Rome’s waste disposal system arguably more efficient than some modern methods.
8. Urinatores
The urinatores were skilled salvage divers based in Ostia. Their name, reminiscent of urine, likely stems from the intense abdominal pressure they endured during deep dives, which often caused frequent urination. Equipped only with a kettle-shaped diving bell filled with air and weighted with lead, these divers could plunge up to 30 meters underwater. Their primary role was salvage operations, though they also transported construction materials. Despite the obvious risks, the job was lucrative, with many divers amassing significant wealth and rising to prominence in Roman society.
7. Litter Carrier
Litter carriers were slaves tasked with transporting women (and later men) in small carriages. The job was arduous, monotonous, and occasionally hazardous, especially when navigating stairs. These carriers often wore elegant attire, and the litters grew increasingly lavish over time. In later years, wealthy Romans replaced traditional curtains with glass windows in their litters. Historical records indicate that traveling by litter was highly uncomfortable, often inducing seasickness. This role has a modern counterpart in the men trained to carry the Papal Sedia Gestatoria, a throne borne on shoulders. Last used in the 1980s, the sedia might return due to security concerns surrounding Pope Benedict XVI.
6. Gymnasiarch
In ancient Greece, the gymnasiarch held a demanding role due to the widespread love for athletics. Despite the messy nature of the job—oiling and scraping athletes, cleaning up after wrestling matches, and maintaining the gymnasium—it was a coveted position among the wealthy, seen as the pinnacle of charitable work. To become a gymnasiarch, one had to be aged between 30 and 60 and possess considerable wealth. A unique perk of the job was the authority to carry a stick to discipline unruly youths in the gym.
5. Curse Tablet Maker
Curse tablets were delicate sheets of soft lead inscribed with curses. These were nailed to temple altars or walls. The unfortunate curse tablet maker spent their days listening to customers’ grievances and crafting curses. Thankfully, many of these tablets have survived, offering insights into Roman life and beliefs. One example reads: “Bind every limb and sinew of Victorius, the charioteer for the Blue team... blind the eyes of his horses so they cannot see, and twist their soul and heart so they cannot breathe.”
4. Orgy Planner
The orgy planner held a highly unconventional yet thrilling role, organizing lavish festivities for the elite. This job came with numerous perks (which need no elaboration). Responsibilities included arranging food, entertainment, music, and accommodations. However, the position was not without its drawbacks, as the orgy planner faced disapproval from certain societal groups, particularly those excluded from such events. At one point, the profession was even temporarily outlawed. The most renowned orgy planner was Gaius Petronius, famed for authoring Satyricon, a satirical work on Roman excess.
3. Water Organist
The hydraulis, a pipe organ powered by water or manual pumps, was a beloved instrument in ancient Rome. It required no bellows or blowers, making it unique. Water organists enjoyed steady employment, as the instrument was a staple at holidays and social gatherings. Competitions were common, with one musician, Antipatros, winning an award for playing continuously for two days. Even Emperor Nero was known to play the hydraulis. Additionally, water organists secured prime seating at gladiatorial events, as their music accompanied the battles.
2. Slinger
A slinger was a specialist trained in the use of the sling, a weapon integral to Roman military tactics due to its superior range and destructive power compared to arrows. Young trainees were often tasked with hunting their own meals, ensuring they honed their skills quickly. These slingers could hurl stones weighing up to one pound with remarkable accuracy over distances of up to 200 meters.
1. Funeral Clown
The funeral clown’s role was to don the attire of the deceased, wear a mask resembling their face, and perform humorous antics mimicking the dead. Romans believed this practice appeased the spirits of the departed and brought cheer to the living. During the funeral procession, the clown, accompanied by others, would jest and imitate the deceased. Some clowns earned high esteem, even mocking emperors at their funerals. Well-compensated, this role offered a peculiar yet joyful contrast to their usual work as leaders of mime troupes.
