Archaeologists continue to explore the Egyptian tomb of King Tutankhamun. There seems to be an endless supply of artifacts, but a recent discovery among the teenage pharaoh’s belongings is a linen condom. It seems that Tutankhamun’s attendants wanted to ensure that he practiced safe sex in the afterlife.
Although rubber wasn’t invented until the 19th century, humans have made a step forward in terms of contraception. The oldest known condom in history dates back to around 3000 BC in Crete and was made from sheep’s bladder. In the case of Tutankhamun, this sheath was soaked in olive oil. Sadly, it doesn’t seem to have been too effective, as the remains of two fetuses were buried along with him. I don’t want to sound like Maury Povich , but he WAS the father. Or perhaps it was simply meant to keep the pharaoh’s exalted flesh from touching those beneath him.
The efficacy of flax and oil was… a one-off. The Egyptians were enterprising in all sorts of ways, as evidenced by the Kahun Medical Papyrus. The document is known as the Gynecological Papyrus and focuses on women’s reproductive health. A pessary made from crocodile dung and some stray materials supposedly eliminated the chances of pregnancy. Allegedly, crocodile dung was supposed to be a natural spermicide.
The Egyptians weren’t the only ones who tried to practice safe sex, but they may have been among the first. Other cultures followed suit with their own methods. Honestly, if you want to find something fascinating to read about, look up information on human sexual history and evolution. We guarantee you won’t get bored. And that’s just what they found in the tomb of an Egyptian king. I wonder what they’ll find for a queen.
A 3,000-year-old Egyptian city has been discovered that has not suffered any damage from the passage of time. Thank you Dr. Zahi Hawass!
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An underground tunnel has been discovered in Taposiris Magna, Egypt. It is, ominously, a temple dedicated to Osiris, the god of death. Archaeologist Kathleen Martinez found the tunnel, 2 meters high and 1,300 meters long, 13 meters underground. In addition to the tunnel located west of the ancient city of Alexandria, there is also a…
