Ridiculous History - CLASSIC: The Earliest Recorded Mooning Killed Thousands

In this classic episode of Ridiculous History, hosts Ben Bolin and Noel Brown embark on an entertaining yet insightful exploration of one of history's most irreverent gestures: mooning. Titled "The Earliest Recorded Mooning Killed Thousands," the episode delves into the origins of mooning, its cultural implications, and the dramatic consequences it wrought in ancient times.

Introduction to Mooning

The episode kicks off with the hosts exchanging witty remarks about mooning, setting a lighthearted tone. Ben quips, "Oh, fellow ridiculous historians, keep your pants on. We have a great classic episode for you," [00:00] immediately engaging listeners with humor.

Understanding Mooning

Noel introduces the concept of "pheasant under glass," humorously explaining it as the act of pressing bare buttocks against a window [00:06]. This playful banter serves as a segue into a more serious discussion about the historical practice of mooning as an insult.

Personal Anecdote: Mooning in High School

Ben shares a personal story from his high school years, recounting an incident where he and his friends mooned a bully named Cestius Gallus [04:25]. "I did moon someone once as an insult in high school... It was my junior year," Ben narrates, highlighting how such an act, though seemingly trivial, can escalate tensions and lead to unexpected consequences like a minor car chase.

Historical Context: Jews Under Roman Rule

Transitioning to ancient history, Noel and Ben set the stage by discussing the socio-political climate of Jewish communities under Roman occupation during the Pax Romana. "Imagine, if you can, living in a city wherein you and your entire community are under the thumb of foreign forces," Ben explains [09:22]. This backdrop is crucial for understanding the gravity of the mooning incident they are about to explore.

The Incident Recorded by Josephus

At the heart of the episode is the account from the first-century historian Josephus. According to Josephus in his book The Jewish War, a Roman soldier engaged in an act of mooning during Passover in Jerusalem—a time already rife with religious fervor and tension [08:36]. "One of the soldiers raising his robe and stooping in an indecent attitude... turned his backside to the Jews," Ben recounts.

Consequences of the Mooning Event

This provocative gesture did not go unnoticed. The act of mooning, perceived as a significant insult, ignited a massive riot. Josephus alleges that the ensuing violence resulted in the deaths of approximately 30,000 people [24:12]. Noel emphasizes the severity by stating, "We don't have to go to the rest of the story too, but that's for another episode."

Other Historical Instances of Mooning

Beyond Josephus's account, the hosts explore other historical instances where mooning played a role. They reference the Fourth Crusade in 1203, where Byzantine forces mooned retreating Western Europeans as an act of derision [28:26]. "As they were sailing away, the Byzantine forces... showed their bare buttocks in derision to the fleeing foe," Noel narrates, illustrating the enduring nature of this gesture as a form of insult.

Literary References to Mooning

The discussion extends into the realm of literature, with a nod to Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales. Specifically, the Miller's Tale features a humorous and bawdy narrative involving an unintended mooning incident [30:04]. Ben and Noel perform a playful rendition of the Old English passage, showcasing the gesture's presence in classic literature.

Modern Terminology: The Evolution of Mooning

Ben and Noel delve into the linguistic evolution of the term "mooning." While the act itself is ancient, the term "mooning" as a verb gained prominence in the 1960s, particularly within American student slang [27:50]. "It's nice to know that that linguistic tradition precedes us," Ben observes, noting the term's relatively recent formalization despite the gesture's long history.

Cultural and Social Implications

Throughout the episode, the hosts underscore the cultural and social implications of mooning. They discuss how such a simple act can serve as a powerful tool for rebellion, protest, or personal affront. "So whether you have mooned someone or been mooned before, we hope that this episode helps you be aware that you are either the victim of or the practitioner of an ancient form of derision," Ben concludes [26:26].

Conclusion

Ridiculous History masterfully combines humor with historical analysis to shed light on the seemingly trivial act of mooning and its profound impact in ancient times. By tracing its origins, exploring its cultural significance, and examining its representation in literature, Ben Bolin and Noel Brown provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of why mooning is more than just a youthful prank—it's a gesture steeped in history and human emotion.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Bolin [04:25]: "I did moon someone once as an insult in high school... It was my junior year."

• Ben Bolin [09:22]: "Imagine, if you can, living in a city wherein you and your entire community are under the thumb of foreign forces."

• Noel Brown [08:36]: "One of the soldiers raising his robe and stooping in an indecent attitude... turned his backside to the Jews."

• Ben Bolin [24:12]: "According to Josephus, the riot occurs and all told when the dust settles, 30,000 people... lost their lives."

• Noel Brown [28:26]: "As they were sailing away, the Byzantine forces... showed their bare buttocks in derision to the fleeing foe."

• Ben Bolin [27:50]: "It's nice to know that that linguistic tradition precedes us."

This episode serves as a testament to the podcast's ability to uncover and narrate the quirky, often overlooked aspects of history, making Ridiculous History a must-listen for those fascinated by the bizarre and the humorous in our past.