Farting in Public Ends Dynasty

October 08, 2009

Farting in Public Ends Dynasty

Herodotus tells us how a very public fart led to the overthrow of a dynasty. When Apries, an Egyptian pharaoh (589-570 BC) discovered that Amasis, one of his generals, was threatening to revolt, he sent an ambassador to bring him to heel.

On intelligence of this event, the king sent Patarbemis, one of the most faithful of those who yet adhered to him, with directions to bring Amasis alive to his presence. Arriving where he was, he called to Amasis. Amasis was on horseback, and lifting up his leg, he broke wind, and bade him carry that to his master.
(Herodotus – The Histories c.440 BC)

This so enraged the pharaoh that he had the ambassador’s nose and ears hacked off, an act of barbarity that persuaded the remaining population to throw in their lot with Amasis. Apries was deposed and Amasis ruled as Ahmose II until his death in 526BC.

8 Oct 2009 15:50:10 | Breaking Wind, Doing It In Public

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