In the intricate world of old households, the between maid stood as an essential yet lesser-known figure. This role was crucial in large homes with many staff members because the maid bridged duties between different areas, assisting both the cook and the housemaid. As times changed, the need for a between maid decreased, and the … Read more

In the ancient world, measuring distances was not as simple as it is today. The bematists were specialists who played a crucial role in ancient Greece and Egypt by measuring distances through pacing. Bematists, who walked alongside armies such as Alexander the Great’s, helped map out territories by counting their steps, providing essential data for … Read more

In the 18th and 19th centuries, a bear-leader was an intriguing occupation, now considered obsolete. A bear-leader was a man who acted as a guide for young men of rank or wealth during their travels, combining roles of tutor, guardian, and companion. The term captures both the responsibility and the unique relationship between the leader … Read more

In the world of textile manufacturing, many jobs have faded into history, taking with them the skills and techniques unique to their era. One such job is that of the beamer. This was a key occupation in the cotton industry, where a beamer was responsible for winding threads onto a beam, preparing them for the … Read more

The world of work has changed dramatically over the centuries, leaving many jobs to vanish into obscurity. One fascinating example is the occupation of the badger. In medieval England, a badger was a food and goods trader who bought products in one place and sold them in another. This role was crucial for distributing essential … Read more

In the late 19th century, a grim practice emerged in Britain known as baby farming. Baby farming was the practice of caring for infants in exchange for money, often with tragic outcomes. Individuals, mostly women, would take in babies for a fee, claiming to care for them. This practice was prevalent not only in Britain … Read more

In ancient Athens, the role of Arrephoros was a unique and intriguing one. These were young girls, typically between seven to eleven years old, who served as acolytes in the cult of Athena Polias. Their main duty involved participating in a mysterious ritual known as the Arrhephoria, where they carried and exchanged unknown objects in … Read more

The ash burner was once an essential role in various industries but is now largely forgotten. Primarily responsible for burning wood to produce potash, this job served many purposes. Potash was crucial for soapmaking, glassmaking, and as a fertilizer, making the ash burner’s work vital. In a time when chemicals were not readily manufactured, the … Read more

In the past, certain jobs existed to meet the needs of societies now long gone. Among these was the role of the arendator. This person leased assets like land, mills, or inns in places such as the Russian Empire and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Essentially, an arendator was a professional leaseholder responsible for managing various valuable … Read more

In medieval and early modern times, the Amtmann played a crucial role in the administration of German-speaking and some Nordic regions. The Amtmann was responsible for managing estates and villages, acting similarly to a bailiff or an overseer. Today, this title may still exist as a civil service rank in places like Germany and Austria … Read more