When the tomb of Tutankhamun or King Tut of Egypt was discovered in 1922, archaeologist Howard Carter was amazed at the amount of items that was part of the "burial" that accompanied his corpse.
More than 5,000 artifacts were buried—for the young king to use in the afterlife.
But among the array of gold, silver, ebony, ivory, expensive jewelry, weapons, tools, beautiful fabrics and perfumes, one thing caught the attention of experts—King Tut's condom—and those who placed it probably considered it it is important to the king to be absorbed in eternal life.
Tutankhamun (1341 BC – c. 1323 BC) was the pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty of ancient Egypt. He ascended to the throne when he was nine years old, and ruled Egypt until his death at the age of 19. His tomb, labeled KV62 by archaeologists, is the only Pharaoh's tomb in near-intact condition. KV stands for Valley of the Kings, and the 62 is because it is the 62nd tomb found.
The discovery of his tomb is considered the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time. Tutankhamun's even condom contained traces of his DNA.
It's like a casing or sheath in Tagalog is made of fine linen. Researchers found out that the condom was soaked in olive oil, and attached to a string that the user probably ties around his waist during sex. It is estimated that the condom was made in 1350 BC, and is considered the "oldest known condom in existence."
If Tutankhamun had used condoms to prevent pregnancy—rather than for rituals or to avoid contracting a disease—it may not have been effective. The remains of two fetuses were also discovered in his tomb. Based on genetic testing, King Tut is their father. The ancient Egyptians had other ways to prevent women from getting pregnant during intercourse.
The Kahun Medical Papyrus (also known as the Gynaecological Papyrus), and estimated to have been used in 1825 BC, is recommended. Using crocodile dung and other ingredients as a contraceptive was also common. This mixture was molded to fit the female sex organ.
According to one hypothesis, crocodile excrement is alkaline, and acts as a spermicide. The Egyptians were possibly the first civilization to use condoms. In ancient Rome, on the other hand, condoms were made of cloth or animal intestines.
The ancient Chinese had popularized condoms made of silk paper soaked in oil. In Japan, men use tortoise shells or animal horns to cover only the head of their sex organ.
Meanwhile, the ancient Djukas tribe of New Guinea had female condoms made from a type of plant. Muslims and Jews in the Middle Ages covered their sex organs with asphalt, or smeared them with onion juice.
When the first documented outbreak of the sexually transmitted disease syphilis occurred in the 15th century among French troops, the need for protection against the disease became even more essential.
Because of this, the use of linen sheaths soaked in a chemical solution became popular. Besides linen, other condoms during the Renaissance were made from animal intestines or bladders.
By the early 19th century, rubber condoms were introduced. In 1850, several rubber companies began to mass produce condoms.
Today, condoms are not only safe to use unless they are intentionally punctured—there are different designs, thicknesses, and flavors. By the early 19th century, rubber condoms were introduced.
From: Pep
