The History & Timeline of Tattoos

Tattoo parlor

The word "tattoo" comes from "tattau," a Tahitian word meaning "to mark." Throughout history, tattoos have functioned as identifiers of the wearer's social rank, occupation or life experience in many cultures. They have also been used simply to decorate the body.

Earliest

The earliest example of tattooing came from the "Iceman," a body found on the Italian-Austrian border in 1991. His tattooed body has been dated to 5,200 years ago.

Ancient cultures

The Russians excavated bodies in the Altai Mountains in Siberia that are believed to be over 2,400 years old. Tattoos have also been found on Egyptian mummies dating back to 2,000 years BC.

Greeks and Romans

The Greeks tattooed slaves and criminals for identification. The Romans adopted this practice. They tattooed mercenaries, so any deserters could be easily found.

Middle Ages

Crusaders tattooed crosses on their arms when they reached the Holy Land. Many other travelers continued this during the Middle Ages.

Circus

Tattoos became popular exhibitions in the late 19th century at circuses and carnivals, where heavily tattooed individuals displayed their bodies.

Twenty-first century

Tattoos have become socially acceptable in America in recent years. In 2006, the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that 24 percent of Americans between that ages of 18 and 50 have tattoos.

References

• History of Tattooing
• Tattoos: The Ancient and Mysterious History
• Tattoos

Resources

• World's Largest Online Tattoo Museum -- Greece and Rome
• Tattoo Facts and Statistics
• World's Largest Online Tattoo Museum -- Christian Religious Tattoos