You know, just when I think I’ve got some stuff figured out, I land on fascinating, and sometimes very strange, historical tidbits that make me blink, pause, then think:

Holy crap, that’s freaking amazing.

Once again, my writing research has brought me down a very unexpected path. And, once again, I’ve discovered some things about our ancient past that I had to share with you. Check this out.

Did you know…

[image error]The Inca built their amazing empire without money at all.

I know, right? But it’s true! The Inca were one of the wealthiest empires in South America, yet they didn’t use beans or textiles or any other goods to buy and sell products. Instead, Incan males had to offer physical labor to the state beginning at the age of 15. They helped build buildings for the public, and the road system that was used to expand and link their empire. In return for their work, the government provided what they needed to survive — food, housing, clothing, and tools. What makes this even more interesting is that no shops or markets existed, either. And although their lands sat on huge piles of silver and gold, those precious metals were used as part of their religious worship. It’s kind of like Trekverse, only millennia earlier.

[image error]Greek physicians recommended sex as a way to alleviate many ailments.

In fact, they thought sex helped reduce lower back pain, jaundice, depression, and indigestion. And, Hippocrates claimed that unlimited and uninhibited sex cured dysentery. Some claimed it even cured insanity. So, yeah. There’s that.

[image error]Gaius Gracchus, a Roman politician, had a bounty put on his head — for its weight in gold.

Septimuleius rose to the challenge and brought Gracchus’s head to Opimius in return for payment. Only the head weighed in at an amazing 17 2/3 pounds! Turns out Septimuleius committed fraud by removing the brain and filling it with lead so he could collect a bigger reward. But Opimius figured out his trick and, in the end, Septimuleius got nothing for his efforts. Just goes to show you, it doesn’t pay to cheat. Or steal. Or lie. Or… well, you get the picture.