Ethnographic and historical texts reveal that tattooing has been practiced by just about every human culture in historic times. The ancient Greeks used tattoos from the 5th century on to communicate among spies; later, the Romans marked criminals and slaves with tattoos.
Ethnographic and historical texts reveal that tattooing has been practiced by just about every human culture in historic times. The ancient Greeks used tattoos from the 5th century on to communicate among spies; later, the Romans marked criminals and slaves with tattoos.
Ancient and Traditional Practices
As the first tattoos date back to ancient civilizations, the reasons behind the newly-seen skin tattoos are fuelled by different theories Popular Styles Throughout Time
Tattoos were not very common or socially acceptable until the mid 20th century. Up until this time, they were reserved for a small population Tools Used to Create Tattoos Through Time
Not only have social perceptions and popular designs changed over time, so too have the tools and inks used to give tattoos Summary
Tattoos are an inherent part of some cultures. In the Western world, it has taken time for decorative ink to become socially acceptable Greek written records of tattooing date back to at least the 5th-century BCE. The ancient Greeks and Romans used tattooing to penalize slaves, criminals, and prisoners of war. While known, decorative tattooing was looked down upon and religious tattooing was mainly practiced in Egypt and Syria.
Tattoos marked Roman criminals and slaves, and the ancient Greeks were said to use the markings to allow spies to communicate with each other. Tattoos were also a prominent part of many other cultures and still play an important role in them today. The English word “tattoo” comes from the Tahitian word “tatau.”
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×Tattooing has a long history and has been practiced in many cultures. Here are some examples of the history and culture of tattoos:
- Greek written records of tattooing date back to at least the 5th-century BCE. The ancient Greeks and Romans used tattooing to penalize slaves, criminals, and prisoners of war.
- The ancient Greeks were said to use tattoos to allow spies to communicate with each other.
- Religious tattooing was mainly practiced in Egypt and Syria.
- The English word “tattoo” comes from the Tahitian word “tatau.”
