The Early Days
Archaeological evidence shows that tattooing has been practiced by nearly all cultures throughout history. Tools resembling tattoo needles were even discovered among mummies from Paleolithic tombs; later, Egyptian bodies featuring tattooed designs date back to the Pyramid ages.
The Middle Ages
Tattooing was traditionally used for various reasons, such as therapeutic benefits or differentiating members within society or religion – even as a punishment. The Iceman, a Bronze Age man, had 57 Tattoos that may have been meant to ease joint pain. Ancient Egyptian mummies also showed tattoos; female mummies wore dots, lines, and shapes resembling figurines on their thighs.
The Renaissance
The Renaissance marked an incredible period in our modern world with profound effects across art, literature, music, and science. Leonardo da Vinci used his anatomy and linear perspective knowledge to achieve unparalleled realism in his paintings. Political thinkers like Machiavelli honed ideas of realpolitik, while scientists such as Galileo advanced new perspectives in astronomy.
The Age of Enlightenment
At this point, Tattoos began becoming mainstream. Men who went off to war often got patriotic or military Tattoos on their bodies; women started acquiring the lower back ‘tramp stamp’ design known as the Hula Girl tattoo. This era was characterized by a rise in empiricism across philosophy, politics, economics, and science, often called the Age of Reason or Enlightenment.
The Industrial Revolution
The industrial revolution revolutionized daily life with significant technical improvements and practical labor, transportation, and energy advancements. Tattoos are micro wounds and must be protected against harmful bacteria until their healing process has concluded; this could take months.
The Age of Romanticism
In the 19th century, idealists emerged, advocating for personal freedom through individual imagination. Artistic movements during this period brought about widespread changes and grand experiments in democracy. Middle Eastern and African subjects became more popular in paintings as artists projected their desires, fears, and ideas onto their work.
The Age of Steam
During the Age of Steam, various types of steam engines provided power for trains, ships, and factories. Some modern machines still use steam power today.
