The Most Unfavorable Historical Periods for Time Travel

The Swinging Sixties and the era of pyramid construction are just a couple of the remarkable moments in history that many would wish to revisit. However, there exist certain times and locations that any prudent time traveler should steer clear of. Throughout various epochs of Earth's history, peril and despair were omnipresent. Therefore, as a cautionary guide for those with aspirations of time travel, let us embark on a journey to the most undesirable historical destinations.

The enduring discussions surrounding the Black Death, which emerged in 1347, are well justified. Within a mere five years, millions perished across Europe. This devastating disease, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, spread with alarming rapidity, primarily through fleas that infested rodents. Should you find yourself transported to this era, medical assistance would be virtually nonexistent, aside from a few leeches and perhaps a pouch of mint leaves. As grotesque buboes manifested in your armpits and groin, and you began to bleed from various bodily orifices, death would inevitably ensue.

Even if you managed to return to the present, it would likely be too late for your survival. Furthermore, your modern immune system, having adapted to the relative hygiene of contemporary life, would render you even more vulnerable to the disease. To compound matters, you would also witness the heart-wrenching sight of families abandoning their ill relatives, including children, in desolate plague-stricken homes.

This grim period would be particularly harrowing for Jewish individuals. In their desperation to find explanations for the widespread devastation, Christian leaders across Europe falsely accused Jews of poisoning wells, leading to widespread extermination. Regardless of your background, it is unequivocal that this era should be avoided at all costs!

Exploding Heads in Herculaneum.

Many individuals are familiar with the tragic events that unfolded in Pompeii following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. However, significantly fewer are aware of its sister city, Herculaneum, which was situated even closer to the volcano. If one were to hypothetically arrive in Herculaneum on that fateful day, they would encounter an astonishingly intense shower of ash and volcanic debris at a temperature of 900 degrees Fahrenheit. The term "literally" is applicable here; the extreme heat would cause the human head to rapidly boil and subsequently explode upon contact with the volcanic material. Those who managed to survive this initial onslaught faced suffocation beneath layers of searing ash. Although many residents fled prior to the eruption, over 400 individuals were trapped during their attempts to escape. Presently, a significant portion of Herculaneum's architectural heritage remains concealed beneath solidified volcanic deposits, with approximately 75% still buried. This is particularly notable when considering that Pompeii was only covered by a nine-foot layer of ash, while Herculaneum was engulfed by an astonishing 75 feet. Unless one seeks a fiery end, it is advisable to steer clear of Herculaneum in the year 79 CE.

The catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE is a well-known historical event, particularly in relation to the city of Pompeii. However, the lesser-known Herculaneum, which was even more proximate to the volcano, remains largely overlooked. Should one hypothetically visit Herculaneum on that catastrophic day, they would be met with an overwhelming deluge of ash and volcanic material at a staggering temperature of 900 degrees Fahrenheit. The use of "literally" is warranted, as the extreme heat would cause the human head to boil and explode upon contact with the volcanic debris. Those who did not meet such a fate were instead suffocated by the thick layers of burning ash. While many inhabitants managed to evacuate before the eruption, over 400 individuals were trapped during their escape attempts. Today, a substantial portion of Herculaneum's architectural legacy is still buried beneath hardened volcanic matter, with around 75% remaining concealed. This is particularly striking when one considers that Pompeii was only covered by a nine-foot layer of ash, whereas Herculaneum was buried under an extraordinary 75 feet.

If a fiery end is not part of your aspirations, it is advisable to steer clear of Herculaneum in the year 79 CE. The Bombing of Dresden stands as a stark reminder of the devastation wrought during the Second World War, which claimed the lives of over 85 million individuals due to combat and the ensuing turmoil. For many, air raids were a harrowing aspect of daily life, even for those far removed from the battlefront. However, the Bombing of Dresden, once a prominent cultural hub in Europe, was particularly catastrophic. Nearly all of the 35,000 fatalities were civilians, and historians continue to debate whether the assault was a strategic decision or merely an exhibition of overwhelming force. Nonetheless, there is a consensus that the experience for those trapped within the city was nothing short of hellish.

On February 13, 1945, 800 British aircraft unleashed 1,400 tons of bombs along with an additional 1,110 tons of incendiary devices upon the city. Later that same day, 300 American bombers targeted the city’s transportation networks, followed by another 200 bombers two days later, which aimed to obliterate the city's infrastructure. Had you been present, you would have heard the earth-shattering explosions drawing ever closer. Buildings would erupt and collapse around you, sending deadly debris flying in every direction and crushing anyone caught within. Subsequently, an inferno would ensue, characterized by relentless waves of unbearable heat, which would persist for days on end.

It is evident that venturing into the city center at this juncture would result in a swift and horrific demise. The Trenches. The combat conditions during the First World War were arguably the most severe that humanity has ever encountered. The introduction of new technologies such as machine guns, tanks, and poison gas significantly escalated casualty figures beyond those of any prior conflict. Approximately 20 million individuals were mercilessly killed in this war of attrition, where each faction sought to exhaust the other.

In practice, this often resulted in stalemates, where countless lives were sacrificed to determine which side could endure the longest. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers frequently perished with minimal territorial gain to show for their efforts. However, death was merely one of the many concerns on the battlefields of locations such as the Somme and Verdun. The most dreadful conditions were found within the trenches. These trenches were hastily constructed ditches carved into muddy terrain, intended to maintain the front lines of combat. Being confined in the same locations for weeks on end, regardless of the season, presented numerous challenges. In winter, one’s flesh would gradually decay from constant exposure to cold and moisture. In summer, soldiers faced swarms of disease-carrying flies, drawn to the corpses that filled the trenches.

The corpses could not be interred above ground due to the relentless machine gun fire that greeted anyone who attempted to venture out. Frequently, the bodies were placed in mounds, and when bombs struck these mounds, the dismembered limbs of fallen comrades became additional projectiles to evade. The bombardments were incessant and deafening, driving many to madness, a condition then referred to as shell shock. Today, we recognize shell shock as a variant of post-traumatic stress disorder; however, during that era, those who fell victim to it were branded as cowards and executed by their superiors. The chaos and brutality of the scenes were so profound that they are said to have directly influenced the depiction of Mordor in the Lord of the Rings. With death, disease, decay, and madness surrounding them, one would need to possess extraordinary courage or a degree of insanity to return to the trenches of World War I.

The American Colonization period is often glossed over in high school history curricula, yet the reality for indigenous peoples during the colonization of the Americas was nothing short of a nightmare. The turmoil began with the notorious expeditions led by Christopher Columbus in the late 15th century. Columbus and his crew viewed the natives as subhuman, leading them to regard their lives as insignificant. This perspective resulted in numerous acts of unimaginable cruelty, ranging from the amputation of body parts for minor acts of defiance to the complete genocide of entire tribes and cultures. When Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain learned of the brutal treatment inflicted by Columbus' crew, he was removed from his position of authority. However, this did not alter the atrocities that had already taken place and would persist as the Americas were colonized. Envision yourself as a native, confronted by strange men from distant lands who compelled you to adopt a new religion and culture, forsaking your own ancient traditions.

The presence of seemingly advanced technology, such as firearms, poses a significant threat. As a time traveler, you would be compelled to observe these events firsthand. Additionally, the overwhelming number of deceased individuals, many of whom succumbed to diseases like smallpox introduced by Europeans, highlights the tragic impact on native populations, who lacked immunity. This period witnessed the demise of up to 90% of indigenous peoples, and unless one possesses a particularly grim interest in such matters, it is advisable to maintain a safe distance.

The Witch Trials represent another perilous chapter. As a time traveler adorned in contemporary attire and utilizing an unfamiliar mode of transportation, it would be prudent to steer clear of Salem, Massachusetts, as well as much of Europe from 1560 to 1630. During this era, Christian authorities across Europe and the American colonies condemned tens of thousands, predominantly women, to death on charges of witchcraft. This phenomenon stemmed from an escalating fear of devil worship; however, the accusations were often vague and nonspecific. Individuals were frequently targeted based on personal grievances, perceived nonconformity, or simply being viewed as too progressive, leaving anyone vulnerable to such accusations.

An inappropriate glance, an unkind remark, an eccentric hat, or any behavior considered unconventional could lead to an accusation. This is precisely why a contemporary individual such as yourself, with your peculiar clothing and demeanor, would find yourself in jeopardy. But what kind of jeopardy? Initially, there would be a trial, frequently founded on unreliable evidence and skewed towards a punitive verdict.

Following this, there would be the actual punishment. More often than not, this entailed execution by fire. In the Holy Roman Empire, this was a legal requirement, as their statutes mandated that any witch found guilty of sorcery be executed by burning at the stake. Other forms of punishment included being crushed by large stones, hanging, beheading, and being subjected to devices intended to drown witches in rivers. Given these dire consequences, it would be wise to avoid the angry mob and instead attend a Halloween celebration themed around Sabrina the Teenage Witch.