Harden Elkington
Throughout history, empires have embraced traditions that might seem strange or confusing to us today.
These customs were often tied to their cultural, religious, or political beliefs, giving us a unique window into what they valued and how they saw the world.
Let’s take a closer look at ten of the most unusual traditions from ancient empires.
Blood Brotherhood Ceremonies (Mongol Empire)
In the Mongol Empire, warriors practiced a tradition called anda, or blood brotherhood, to create unbreakable bonds of loyalty.
During the ceremony, participants exchanged personal items and performed rituals to symbolize their commitment to one another.
This practice strengthened trust and unity among warriors, ensuring they fought as one cohesive force.
It highlights the importance of loyalty and brotherhood in Mongol culture, where survival and success often depended on deep, unshakable alliances.
Lupercalia Festival (Ancient Rome)
The Lupercalia was an annual Roman festival held on February 15 to purify the city and encourage fertility.
During the celebration, priests called Luperci sacrificed goats and dogs, then used strips of the animals’ hides to gently strike women in the streets.
Romans believed this act would increase fertility and ensure healthy births.
While the ritual may seem strange today, it reflects the Romans’ deep connection to their gods and their desire to maintain the health and prosperity of their society.
Hanging Coffins (Bo People of China)
The Bo people of southern China had a unique way of honoring their dead.
Instead of burying bodies in the ground, they placed coffins in caves or hung them on cliffs.
They believed this elevated burial brought the deceased closer to the heavens and protected them from animals.
This tradition reflects their deep respect for the dead and their desire to connect the departed with the spiritual world.
Human Sacrifices (Aztec Empire)
The Aztecs practiced human sacrifices as part of their religious rituals.
They believed these sacrifices were necessary to please their gods and maintain balance in the universe.
Victims, often prisoners of war, were taken to the tops of pyramids, where their hearts were offered to the gods.
While this practice seems shocking today, it was a central part of Aztec culture and their understanding of the divine.
Bull-Leaping Rituals (Minoan Civilization)
In ancient Crete, the Minoans practiced a daring ritual called bull-leaping.
Participants would grab a bull’s horns and leap over its back in a display of skill and bravery.
This activity, often shown in ancient frescoes, likely had religious or symbolic meaning, possibly representing harmony between humans and nature.
While dangerous, it was a way for the Minoans to connect with their beliefs and showcase their courage.
The Cage (Ottoman Empire)
In the Ottoman Empire, sultans used a unique method to prevent power struggles among royal family members.
Brothers of the sultan were confined to the kafes, or “the cage,” a secluded part of the palace.
While this practice avoided the violence of fratricide, it often left the imprisoned princes isolated and psychologically scarred.
The kafes reflects the harsh realities of maintaining power in a system where family rivalries could threaten the empire’s stability.
The Royal Touch (British Empire)
During the Middle Ages, English and French kings and queens claimed a special divine power: the ability to cure a disease called scrofula, a type of tuberculosis, simply by touching the sick.
This practice, known as “the royal touch,” was meant to show that monarchs were chosen by God and had a sacred right to rule.
While it may seem unusual today, it helped strengthen the people’s belief in the monarchy’s divine authority.
Gladiator Sweat as Beauty Cream (Ancient Rome)
In ancient Rome, some women believed that the sweat and dirt of gladiators had magical, romantic qualities.
They collected it to use as a facial cream, thinking it would make them more attractive and desirable.
While this might sound strange now, it shows how deeply gladiators were admired and how beauty standards in Rome were tied to the culture’s fascination with strength and heroism.
Child Sacrifices (Inca Empire)
The Inca Empire practiced a ritual called capacocha, which involved sacrificing children to please their gods, particularly during times of crisis or significant events.
These children, chosen for their purity and beauty, were treated with great honor and respect before being taken to mountain summits for the ritual.
While heartbreaking by today’s standards, this practice reflects the Incas’ deep devotion to their gods and their belief that such sacrifices were necessary to maintain balance and protect their society.
Feast of Fools (Medieval Europe)
During the Middle Ages, the Feast of Fools was a lively festival celebrated between December 31 and January 1.
It was a time when social norms were turned upside down—lower-ranking clergy and commoners would mock their superiors, and chaos and laughter filled the streets.
This temporary break from order allowed people to release tension and enjoy a moment of freedom before returning to their structured lives.
The festival highlights the human need for balance between seriousness and celebration.
Final Thoughts
While these traditions may seem unusual or even shocking by today’s standards, they held deep meaning and importance in their time.
They show how different societies have tried to make sense of the world, connect with something greater than themselves, and create stability within their communities.
These practices remind us of the rich diversity of human culture and the many ways people have sought to find purpose and order in life.
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