Weird But True Facts Volume 1

Did you know that honey found in the tombs of ancient Egyptians is still technically edible? I’m not so sure I would want to drop it into my morning tea, but the reasons behind honey and why it was so important to the Egyptians is interesting, so let’s get into it.

Honey in Daily Life and Ancient Egyptian Culture

While we all heavily rely on cane sugar to keep our sweet tooth happy, the ancient Egyptians did not have such a thing back in the day. Instead, they relied on honey to sweeten bread and other foods and drinks, while also using it as a cure for wounds. The low acidity in honey was particularly effective in treating burns.

There was also a religious aspect to honey for the ancient Egyptians, with bees linked to the sun god Ra. The sweet treat was often used as an offering to the gods, while also being fed to animals that the ancient Egyptians deemed as sacred.

Why Was Honey Placed in Tombs?

Pharaohs and elite members of ancient Egyptian society were given rather elaborate tombs in which they were interred. Items of real value were place inside those tombs, with honey considered to be on that list of goods. It is believed that some body parts were conserved in jars of honey, but more commonly, the sweet treat was placed there to be used as sustenance in the afterlife.

Besides the honey, beeswax was also commonly used in tombs, specifically to seal sarcophagi. It is also believed that honey was used in the mummification process.

How is Honey Able to Remain Edible for So Long?

Honey is high in sugar and acidity, while also low in water content. All of this makes it hard for microbial growth to occur, keeping honey fresh for a very long time. Archaeologists have found jars of honey in tombs that are thousands of years old, and while it is still technically edible, I have yet to hear a story of a tomb raider dipping in a finger to have a taste.

Did you know that an octopus has 3 hearts? Not only that; they also have the ability to shut one off as needed. The octopus is a strange looking creature, to the point of almost being alien or Lovecraftian in appearance. Let’s dive in an take a closer look at its hearts, as well as some other cool little details that might come in handy at a pub quiz.

The Heart of the Octopus

The most interesting thing about the octopus for me is that it has 3 hearts. That is strange enough, but what make it stranger still is that when it swims, the octopus will essentially shut down one of the hearts. This is why you will often see them “walking” along the ocean floor instead of swimming.

The interior of the octopus is made up of a pair of branchial hearts, which are located close to the gills. These hearts, and their placement, allow it to absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide. The third heart, which is systemic, boosts the pressure of the oxygen rich blood, which in turn allows the octopus to move its tentacles. It is the systemic heart that is put on pause when the octopus goes for a swim.

Other Strange and Interesting Octopus Facts

An octopus has blue blood, which only adds to the whole alien feel of these creatures. The blue color comes from a protein called hemocyanin, which I am almost certainly spelling incorrectly, which helps it in colder waters.

You look at octopi and tend to think of them as old, wise creatures, which again perhaps goes back to the whole tentacled, Lovecraftian, elder gods thing. The reality, though, is that their lifespan is quite short, with 5 years being at the high end of the scale. Very often, the males will pass after mating, while females pass after rearing their young.

Finally, octopi are a bit like chameleons in that they can change their body color and texture. This helps with camouflage, while also making it easier for them to sneak up on unsuspecting prey. They certainly have plenty of grabbing options when they get close.