this post was submitted on 01 Aug 2025
523 points (99.6% liked)

History Memes

3223 readers
1296 users here now

A place to share history memes!

Rules:

  1. No sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, assorted bigotry, etc.

  2. No fascism, atrocity denial or apologia, etc.

  3. Tag NSFW pics as NSFW.

  4. Follow all Lemmy.world rules.

Banner courtesy of @setsneedtofeed@lemmy.world

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] AllNewTypeFace@leminal.space 11 points 1 day ago (4 children)

What did the Romans use asbestos for?

[–] protist@mander.xyz 22 points 1 day ago

I found this:

Both the Greeks and the Romans employed asbestos as wicking material for their oil lamps. In fact, the very word “asbestos” comes from a Greek word meaning “inextinguishable.” In a world where lamplight extended work hours, a lamp wick made from chrysotile asbestos would burn almost indefinitely. In addition to lamp wicks, the Greeks and Romans used the long fibers of the serpentine form of asbestos in weaving textiles.

[–] Death_Equity@lemmy.world 10 points 1 day ago

I gave an example, fireplace cleaned napkins and tablecloths.

It was also used in bricks and pottery.

Slow assassinations.

[–] db0@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 1 day ago

Probably for its heat resistance