Jobs of The Past

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

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 world of ancient Scandinavia, runemasters played a vital role as specialists in creating runestones. These skilled individuals carved inscriptions on stone, often commemorating the deceased or marking significant events. Runemasters from the Viking Age, particularly in 11th-century eastern Svealand, left behind hundreds of named and anonymous runestones, showcasing their craft and influence. While … Read more

Ninjas, often wrapped in mystery and legend, were covert agents in ancient Japan. They specialized in espionage, sabotage, and guerrilla warfare, playing a crucial role during times of conflict. These silent warriors were masters of stealth and the art of remaining unseen. Their duties made them unique compared to the traditional samurai. Trained in the … Read more

Once upon a time, on the vast frontiers of Siberia and beyond, explorers called Promyshlenniki played a crucial role in the expansion of the Russian empire. They were free-spirited individuals, often self-employed or part of a group, who ventured into the wilderness in search of valuable resources like furs. Promyshlenniki were the pathfinders of the … Read more

The role of a nursemaid in the past was essential for wealthy households, often responsible for the care of young children. These individuals provided support in a bustling home environment, assisting the primary caregivers. Nursemaids played an integral part in child-rearing when having multiple servants was a common practice. In today’s world, the idea of … Read more

The Pullman porters played a key role in American history, shaping the travel culture and contributing to the early civil rights movement. Serving as trusted assistants on luxurious sleeping cars, these African-American workers brought comfort to passengers across the United States. The story of these porters is not just about the services they provided, but … Read more

In the streets of London during the 16th and 17th centuries, a unique role emerged amid the chaos of disease outbreaks. This role, known as the Searcher of the Dead, involved individuals examining corpses to determine causes of death. It was a crucial job, helping track and respond to the spread of illnesses. Searchers of … Read more