Ancient Athens Made Simple

Massive columns for holding up a massive building.

 Many have theorised that ancient Greek sculpture was for artistic expression, funeral traditions, deity worship etc. Very few have seen the obvious functionalist interpretation: the ancients used sculpture just as we use iconography - to communicate simple messages and instructions without need for language.

Today we label alcohol content to indicate number of standard drinks. This urn is labelled to show how many people would be intoxicated by its contents.

Count the figures. This is a low alcohol urn - enough to intoxicate 17 people.

Fresh breath is important at a Greek rave

This is a reminder to always bring your safety ear plugs to a rave.

Context is important. This would have been a sign outside a clothing shop that catered to over-sized men.

A park sign to remind citizens to key their pets on leashes.

Always keep an eye on your clothing at these public baths.

Men at work. Note that two are depicted working while four others stand around giving instruction or chatting.

A typical one-way-street sign. Absolutely unambiguous.

A public awareness campaign: remember to use sunscreen.

This Greek history lesson was brought to you by Moo the Elder and may contain traces of bullshit.