15 of History's Most Disgusting Jobs

In the past, there were gruesome and dangerous jobs that are hard to imagine today. Due to a lack of technology and equipment, people had to do dirty and hazardous work themselves. While rare to see now, let's explore 15 disgusting and unsanitary jobs that actually existed in the past.

Vomitorium Cleaner

During the Roman era, lavish banquets filled with luxurious food and drinks were fashionable. However, behind the festive atmosphere lurked the dark shadow of the vomitorium cleaner. Roman citizens, after overindulging, would intentionally induce vomiting to make room for more food, and vomitorium cleaners were responsible for the aftermath. Just imagining this job is nauseating, and considering the sanitation standards of the time, it would have been even more horrific.

Royal Toilet Attendant

In the past, even when using the restroom, monarchs weren't alone. The royal toilet attendant served as a close aide, assisting the ruler with their bowel movements. Although a repulsive job, it was also considered an attractive position due to the opportunity to gain the monarch's trust. The toilet attendant witnessed the monarch's private life firsthand and could wield considerable influence.

Violin String Maker

Today, violin strings are manufactured using machines, but in the past, they were crafted by hand using sheep intestines as fiber. Even skilled artisans had to endure the unpleasant odor and environment while performing this difficult task. This sacrifice is hidden behind the beautiful music of the violin.

Rat Catcher

In the 1800s, rats were considered a major culprit in spreading diseases. Rat catchers played a crucial role in protecting cities from illness by trapping rats in hazardous and unpleasant environments. Some professional rat catchers even used their bare hands to kill the rodents, and the various methods they employed to catch rats put their lives at further risk.

Matchstick Factory Worker

Matchstick factory workers were frequently exposed to toxic chemicals like phosphorus and sulfur, which often damaged their health. "Phossy jaw" was a particularly dreadful disease that caused the jawbone to rot and fall off, instilling fear in matchstick factory workers. In those days, without proper safety equipment, match factories were hazardous work environments that demanded sacrifices to one's health.

Bone Grubber

During the Victorian era, bones were used to create necklaces and jewelry. Bone grubs would dig up graves or scavenge animal carcasses to obtain bones. This was an unethical practice but served as a valuable source of income for the impoverished.

Tanner

Tanners performed the repulsive and dangerous task of treating animal hides. They used lime and dog excrement to soften the leather, and the resulting stench and harmful substances had detrimental effects on their health.

Snake Milker

Snake milkers engage in a hazardous profession involving the extraction of venom from snakes, used to create antivenom for snakebite treatment. They are constantly exposed to the risk of snake attacks, and any mistake could lead to fatal consequences. Snake milking requires courage, expertise, a deep understanding of snakes, and a calm demeanor.

Resurrectionist

In the 19th century, during the advancement of medicine, resurrectionists would exhume corpses from graves to provide them for scientific research. It was an illegal activity, yet people driven by a passion for scientific progress and economic gain also pursued this profession.

Toshers

Toshers in Victorian-era London were individuals who scoured sewers in search of reusable items to earn a living. They faced a high risk of disease exposure due to the unsanitary conditions, but it was a vital source of livelihood for the poor.

Mud Lark

Mud larks scavenged for reusable materials in the polluted mud along the banks of the River Thames. The majority were children aged 8 to 15, enduring arduous labor in a hazardous and unhealthy environment.

Chimney Sweep

Chimney sweeps undertook the perilous task of cleaning narrow chimneys. Many were children, exposed to suffocating soot and the risk of fire, posing severe threats to their health and safety.

Leech Collector

19th-century medicine employed a practice called "bloodletting" to treat patients' ailments. This procedure required leeches, resulting in the emergence of leech collectors. It was an unpleasant and hazardous job, but it existed due to the medical needs of the time.

Nightman

Before the introduction of modern sewage systems, nightmen were responsible for handling human waste. They worked exclusively at night, enduring harsh labor in a malodorous and unsanitary environment.

Black Death Gravedigger

The Black Death was one of the deadliest pandemics in European history, claiming the lives of approximately 200 million people. Black Death gravediggers performed the hazardous task of burying plague victims in mass graves, constantly exposed to the threat of death in a world shrouded in gloom.

Conclusion

We have explored some of the gruesome and dangerous jobs from the past that are difficult to imagine in the present day. These historical accounts make us even more grateful for the conveniences and safety of modern society. This history reminds us to remember the hardships of the past and strive for a better future.