The world has seen many jobs disappear as technology and society evolve. One such job is the resin worker, a profession that played a significant role in industries reliant on resin for manufacturing pitch, tar, and turpentine. Resin workers were essential in the extraction and processing of resin, a vital raw material for various products. … Read more
In the fast-paced world of today, it’s hard to imagine jobs from the past that were both dangerous and demanding. One such occupation was the mule scavenger, a job primarily found in 18th and 19th-century cotton mills. The workers, often young children, had the tough task of crawling under moving machines to collect fallen cotton. … Read more
In a world where occupations have evolved and changed, some jobs have become relics of the past. Among these is the intriguing role of the priest hunter. A priest hunter was a person engaged by the English and later British government to track down and capture Catholic priests during Penal Times. This job was notorious, … Read more
Retinues were once an essential part of medieval life, serving as the loyal attendants or supporters of nobles and royalty. These groups consisted of individuals who pledged their service and loyalty to a person of high status. The concept of a retinue was similar to having a personal group of assistants, ensuring that the needs … Read more
The Münzmeister, or mint master, played a crucial role in medieval and early modern Germany. He was responsible for overseeing the minting of coins, ensuring their quality and authenticity. This job was vital since coins were the backbone of trade and commerce. As times changed, technology and economic systems evolved, which led to the Münzmeister … Read more
Young apprentices known as printer’s devils played a crucial role in the history of printing. They assisted in printing establishments by performing tasks like mixing ink and fetching type. This unique position, often filled by future notable figures like Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain, is part of a fascinating legacy in the evolution of written … Read more
In ancient Greece, the art of storytelling came to life through the voices of rhapsodes. These performers recited epic poetry, weaving together tales from memory to entertain and educate their audiences. Rhapsodes played a vital role in preserving the oral traditions of Greek culture, making sure stories like those of Homer were passed down through … Read more
In the heart of Sweden, a distinctive occupation once flourished, known as the Mursmäcka. Rooted in the vibrant streets of Stockholm, this job belonged to women who handed mortar to construction workers. A Mursmäcka was a vital role for women from poorer backgrounds during the 19th century. The role of a Mursmäcka dates back to … Read more
The term “privateer” might not be familiar to everyone today, yet it played a significant role in history. Privateers were privately owned vessels commissioned by governments to engage in maritime warfare. Think of them as legal pirates, raiding enemy ships and disrupting trade during conflicts. During times of war, privateers captured enemy merchant ships and … Read more
In the 15th century, a unique profession began in the bustling waterways of Stockholm, Sweden. Known as the “Rower woman,” these women navigated the waters, ferrying people between Stockholm’s various islands and across Lake Mälaren. Rower women served as an early version of a water taxi, offering essential transport in a city interlaced with channels … Read more