Nnamdi Constance 
Think your life is modern? Spoiler alert: your home is filled with everyday objects with ancient origins that prove you’re basically a stylish caveman with Wi-Fi.
We imagine time travel as a futuristic, sci-fi experience. But what if time travelers are already among us? Brace yourself: the items sitting on your shelf, in your purse, and on your bathroom sink are far older—and creepier—than you think.
So, let’s uncover 10 of these ancient “time travelers” secretly haunting your home.
1. The Comb: An Ancient Origin for Bad Hair Days (ca. 5,000 BCE)
That “quick hair fix” tool you rely on? In fact, it’s older than some civilizations. Ancient combs made from wood, bone, and ivory have been found worldwide. Apparently, bad hair days existed in 5,000 BCE too—comforting, right?
2. Soap: A Creepy Ancient Origin for ‘Cleanliness’ (ca. 2,800 BCE)
You think soap is modern hygiene? Sorry—nope. Actually, Ancient Babylonians were already cooking up soap recipes 4,800 years ago. Fun fact (or nightmare fuel): early soap was used more for cleaning wool than for cleaning humans. So yes, you were second choice.
3. Keys & Locks: An Ancient Security Object (ca. 4,000 BCE)
Feel safe at night? Well, thank ancient Assyrians. The earliest locks were wooden, huge, and probably creaked like a horror movie door—perfect for a haunted house. The mechanism, shockingly, still resembles your modern house key.
4. Board Games: An Everyday Object with Ancient Stakes (ca. 3,100 BCE)
Game night didn’t start with Ludo. For example, Ancient Egyptians played Senet, a game believed to guide your soul to the afterlife. In Mesopotamia, people played the Royal Game of Ur and they weren’t just playing for fun, they were playing for eternal destiny. Consequently, your family game night drama is mild in comparison.Consequently, your family game night drama is mild in comparison.
5. Makeup (Eyeliner): An Ancient Tool for Beauty and Curses (ca. 4,000 BCE)
That winged eyeliner? You’re copying the Egyptians. They used kohl not just for beauty sun protection, and plot twist? to keep evil spirits away. So technically, your eyeliner doubles as spiritual pepper spray.
6. Trousers/Pants: The Ancient Origin of Your Jeans (ca. 1,000 BCE)
Jeans weren’t born for fashion—rather, they were ancient sportswear for horse-riding warriors in China. So each time you wear pants, channel your inner warrior rather than complaining about tight waistbands.
7. The Fork: An Everyday Object with a ‘Hated’ Origin (ca. 400 CE)
For centuries, Europe rejected the fork. Historians note it was once considered “unmanly” and “pretentious.” Instead, most people stabbed food with knives or used their hands, like medieval Vikings. So, if your table manners are a bit messy, take comfort—you’re simply following historical tradition.
8. Cement: An Ancient Origin for Modern Cities (ca. 1300 BCE)
Rome’s concrete buildings still stand after earthquakes, invasions, and tourists. Meanwhile, your modern walls crumble if you hang one extra frame. In fact, Roman concrete was so advanced it could set underwater—witchcraft or genius?
9. Coins: The Ancient Origin of “Adulting” (ca. 600 BCE)
Before coins, people bartered goats, grain… or awkwardly traded metal lumps. The Kingdom of Lydia changed everything with the first official currency—basically inventing “adulting.” You may hate budgeting, but it’s ancient tradition.
10. Calendars: A 10,000-Year-Old Origin for Stress (ca. 10,000 BCE)
Your phone calendar is just a fancy version of ancient bones carved with moon cycles. Indeed, humans have been stressing over dates, deadlines, and the “new month, new me” mentality for 10,000 years. So don’t feel guilty—you didn’t start the struggle.
And if this has you fascinated with time itself, the science behind time travel theories might just make you rethink reality.
Your Home is Basically a Museum of Everyday Objects with Ancient Origins
Your home is basically a historical museum—you’re just the clueless tour guide. Ultimately, these everyday objects with ancient origins prove humans haven’t changed much—we’ve just improved packaging and added electricity.
So, next time you wash your hands, lock your door, or put on eyeliner, remember: You’re doing the same rituals as ancient Babylonians, Egyptians, and Romans… Minus the fear of actual curses. (Hopefully.)
