The Complaint Tablet to Ea-Nasir, an ancient Babylonian tablet from around 1750 BCE, humorously serves as a precursor to modern-day bad reviews. In this tablet, a disgruntled customer named Nanni complains about receiving subpar copper from the merchant Ea-nasir.
The tablet even shows he requested a refund! Even back then, it's clear people wanted to get their money's worth.
Poulaine, a type of shoe with an extremely elongated pointed toe, was a notable fashion trend in the Middle Ages. These shoes, worn by both men and women, often extended several inches beyond the wearer's foot.
Poulaine can be seen as an early example of how fashion trends prioritize style over practicality. Comparable to contemporary trends like oversized sneakers or extremely high heels, poulaine shoes prove that humans have always been a little silly with their fashion choices.
(Images via Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Ziko, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
People might complain about "kids these days," but if history is any indicator, it's more like "kids since the beginning of time." Even the famous ancient Greek poet Hesiod had plenty to say about the young people of his time.
Around 800 BC, he was quoted as saying, "I see no hope for the future of our people if they are dependent on frivolous youth of today, for certainly all youth are reckless beyond words... When I was young, we were taught to be discreet and respectful of elders, but the present youth are exceedingly disrespectful and impatient of restraint." That sounds like it could come from a Facebook post today!
Plato famously criticized written language, fearing it would weaken memory and understanding. He believed people would rely too much on texts rather than true knowledge.
This ancient skepticism humorously mirrors today's complaints about technology, where critics argue that smartphones and social media diminish attention spans and interpersonal skills. Some things never change!
In medieval times, courtly love involved knights and nobles expressing deep affection and emotional bonds with women they weren't married to, often through chivalrous acts and poetic admiration.
While not a perfect match, that sounds suspiciously close to the modern-day concept of a "work husband" or "work wife," where colleagues share close, platonic relationships that mimic some aspects of a marital bond. However, something tells us that your real spouse probably doesn't want you writing poetry to your work wife!
The story of Cain and Abel from the Bible illustrates early sibling rivalry, with Cain becoming jealous of Abel due to God's favor towards Abel's offering. This jealousy leads to Cain committing the first act of fratricide.
In the modern day, it's probably a bad idea to kill an annoying sibling, but those feelings of jealousy and inadequacy among brothers and sisters still remain. There are just some things humans will probably never escape!
While we may think of conspiracy theories as a relatively new phenomenon, they've actually been around for much longer. The origin of the term is actually almost 200 years old at this point!
The first instance of someone using the term "conspiracy theory" showed up in an 1863 letter to the New York Times in reference to England's support of the Confederacy during the Civil War.
Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, was known for his strict, micromanaging style, including massive projects like the Great Wall and his elaborate tomb with the Terracotta Army.
In today's world, he might be seen as the quintessential annoying boss—demanding, relentless, and always pushing for grand, labor-intensive projects. He's proof that overbearing, annoying bosses aren't going anywhere.
(Images via Unknown (18??–18??), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Adobe)
In ancient Rome, traffic jams were common on crowded streets, with carts, chariots, and pedestrians all vying for space. Julius Caesar even banned wheeled vehicles during the daytime to ease congestion.
You'd think we would have learned by now, but we still grapple with rush hour bottlenecks and gridlock. The frustrations of being stuck in traffic remain a timeless gripe, showing that some urban challenges are truly eternal.
Nostalgia has always been a key part of human experience, evoking sentimental longing for the past. The term "nostalgia" was coined in the late 17th century by Swiss physician Johannes Hofer to describe the homesickness experienced by Swiss mercenaries.
Whether reminiscing about childhood or past eras, this yearning reflects a universal human desire to reconnect with familiar and comforting times.
The strikes at Deir el-Medina in ancient Egypt are among the earliest recorded labor disputes. Workers building royal tombs protested delayed wages and poor working conditions.
This event shows that complaining about work is a timeless aspect of human society. Just as modern workers voice grievances over pay and conditions, ancient laborers also weren't afraid to let their complaints be known.
In Virgil's Aeneid, Dido, the queen of Carthage, falls deeply in love with Aeneas but is left heartbroken when he leaves her to fulfill his destiny. Consumed by grief and anger, she ultimately burns all of his possessions and throws herself on top of the pyre.
If that's not a perfect example of a "crazy ex," then we don't know what is! Whether in the modern era or the ancient world, these jilted lovers need to learn a little self-control!
Celebrity gossip is far from a modern invention; it thrived in ancient times, profoundly affecting figures like Caesar and Cleopatra. Their highly publicized affair captivated Rome and Egypt, generating rumors and political intrigue.
This gossip influenced public perception, contributing to Caesar's assassination and complicating Cleopatra's reign. Just as today's celebrities are scrutinized, ancient leaders faced relentless speculation.
Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin, influential thinkers of the 18th century, had differing views on parenting when raising their daughter, Frankenstein author Mary Shelley.
Wollstonecraft advocated for a more nurturing and egalitarian approach, while Godwin emphasized rational education and discipline. Their disagreements highlight that parenting disputes are not new; they’ve been part of human society for centuries. Even some of our smartest thinkers can't agree on how to raise kids!
Graffiti has been a form of expression since ancient times, with notable examples in Pompeii. The preserved ruins of this Roman city reveal messages etched on walls, ranging from political slogans to love declarations and humorous commentary.
It seems things haven't changed much in the ensuing centuries! People still feel compelled to leave their mark even in places where it's not wanted.
Fast food is no modern invention; it has ancient origins, particularly in Rome. Street food vendors, known as "thermopolia," offered ready-to-eat meals like bread, porridge, and hot sausages to bustling urbanites.
These establishments were essential for Romans who lacked private kitchens and prove that humans have always been looking for a quick, affordable meal!
If you're annoyed that your neighbors treat their pets more like children than animals, don't blame modern society; blame the ancient Egyptians! Egyptians worshipped felines, believing they brought good fortune and protection, much like modern pet owners spoil their cats with toys, gourmet food, and even social media profiles.
This proves that getting a little too attached to our furry friends is not just a problem for modern Millennials. We've been doting on our pets for thousands of years!
The ancient board game Senet, played in Egypt over 5,000 years ago, proves that humanity has always loved nerding out over a board game. This strategic pastime was enjoyed by pharaohs and commoners alike, symbolizing the journey through life and the afterlife.
While the exact rules of this ancient game have been lost to time, its existence is proof enough that humans just can't get enough of moving little pieces around a board.
In ancient Rome, both men and women used beauty products to enhance their appearance, showing that our preoccupation with looks is timeless.
They employed a variety of cosmetics, including lead-based face powders, rouge made from red ochre, and charcoal for eye makeup. Roman society's focus on grooming and personal presentation highlights how humans have always been attentive to aesthetics. Some things never change!
Aristophanes, an ancient Greek playwright, was no stranger to humor and political satire. His works like Lysistrata and The Clouds reveal how satire has long been a tool for social commentary.
For better or worse, this tradition of satire has stuck around throughout humanity, and you'll still find people today using humor to critique their current political situation.
(Images via Alexander Mayatsky, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Siegmund Labisch (1863–1942)/Paul Wittkowsky (1892–1949)[1], Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
The writings of Plutarch and Seneca can be seen as precursors to modern-day advice columns. Both philosophers offered guidance on ethical living, personal conduct, and dealing with life's challenges.
Plutarch's Moralia and Seneca's letters and essays provided timeless wisdom on topics like friendship, anger management, and happiness. Much like today's advice columns, their writings aimed to help individuals navigate the complexities of human experience with practical advice.
(Images via Odysses, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Theodore Galle, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
If you thought your office politics were bad, just be grateful you didn't work for the Tang dynasty! Courtiers and officials had to skillfully maneuver through complex bureaucracy, forge alliances, and avoid pitfalls set by rivals, much like today's corporate employees.
Success depended on networking, strategic thinking, and, occasionally, flattering the emperor, who, unlike your modern-day boss, could have you executed if you weren't meeting his standards!
(Images via National Palace Museum, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; ??, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
If you thought the dance parties of today were spectacular, wait until you hear about the crazy festivals of ancient Egypt! Celebrations like the Feast of Opet or the Festival of Hathor involved communal gatherings where people danced to rhythmic beats, enjoyed feasts, and honored deities.
Much like today's dance parties, these ancient festivals provided an opportunity for socialization, joy, and a break from daily routines, underscoring a universal human desire to connect and celebrate through music and movement.
Pliny the Elder, a Roman author and naturalist, meticulously cataloged knowledge in his Natural History, reflecting an early form of the modern-day passion for collections and hobbies.
His extensive work covered diverse subjects, from botany to mineralogy, akin to today's enthusiasts who curate collections or pursue specialized interests.
While they might not have had Instagram, wealthy people from the Middle Ages still managed to show off their beautiful, elaborate meals! Nobles showcased their wealth and status through opulent feasts, much like today's influencers who flaunt culinary creations online.
Showing off might have been more difficult during the medieval era, but these elaborate banquets prove that people have always found ways to one-up one another!
