The Weirdest Ways People Made Money Throughout History

From selling mummy dust to renting out wives, the ways people made money throughout history are as bizarre as they are fascinating.

Human creativity knows no bounds, especially when it comes to turning the unusual into profit.

This article dives into some of the strangest, most inventive methods individuals have used to earn a living, proving that necessity—and sometimes greed—truly is the mother of invention.

These stories serve as a reminder that human ingenuity often arises from challenging circumstances.

As we explore these unusual practices, we can reflect on the ever-evolving nature of economic opportunity.

1. Mummy Mania: The Curious Case of Egyptian Remains

In the 19th century, a strange trend swept across Europe and America: the commodification of Egyptian mummies.

Wealthy collectors and curious scientists fueled a booming trade in these ancient remains.

But it wasn’t just about displaying them in private cabinets of curiosities.

People made money throughout history by grinding mummies into powder, which was sold as a medicinal remedy or even as paint pigment.

Yes, "mummy brown" was a popular color among artists.

The allure of the exotic and mysterious drove many to seek out these artifacts, often at great moral cost.

The demand was so high that some merchants resorted to creating fake mummies using the bodies of beggars.

This macabre trade highlights how far people would go to capitalize on trends, even if it meant desecrating the dead.

Mummy Trade Facts
Peak Period: 1800s
Price per Mummy: $50-$100 (equivalent to $1,500-$3,000 today)
Primary Use: Medicine, art, and curiosities

2. Wife Rentals: A Bizarre Economic Solution

In 18th-century England, poverty and social instability led to an unusual practice: wife renting.

Desperate husbands, often unable to provide for their families, would temporarily "rent out" their wives to other men.

This arrangement was sometimes formalized with contracts and even witnessed by local authorities.

While it sounds shocking today, this practice was seen as a pragmatic solution to economic hardship.

It’s a stark reminder of how societal norms and economic pressures can shape human behavior in unexpected ways.

This practice also reflects the historical context of gender roles and economic necessity.

In many cases, women had little agency, and such arrangements were a means of survival rather than empowerment.

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3. Tulip Mania: When Flowers Were Worth Fortunes

The Dutch Golden Age saw one of the most bizarre economic bubbles in history: tulip mania.

In the 1630s, tulip bulbs became a status symbol, with prices skyrocketing to absurd levels.

At its peak, a single bulb could cost as much as a luxury house.

People made money throughout history by speculating on tulips, trading futures, and even selling their homes to invest in the flower market.

When the bubble burst in 1637, many were left bankrupt.

This episode remains a cautionary tale about the dangers of speculative greed.

Tulip Mania by the Numbers
Peak Price: 10,000 guilders per bulb (approx. $1 million today)
Duration: 1634-1637
Aftermath: Widespread economic collapse

The frenzy surrounding tulip mania illustrates the psychological aspects of investing and market behavior.

It serves as a historical example of how emotions can drive financial decisions, often leading to irrational outcomes.

4. Snake Oil Salesmen: The Art of the Con

The term "snake oil salesman" has become synonymous with fraud, but its origins are rooted in a fascinating chapter of American history.

In the 1800s, traveling salesmen peddled "miracle cures" made from snake oil, claiming they could heal everything from arthritis to baldness.

While some of these elixirs were harmless, others contained dangerous ingredients like opium or alcohol.

The most successful snake oil salesmen were master storytellers, using charisma and clever marketing to convince people to part with their money.

This era of quack medicine underscores the power of persuasion—and the gullibility of desperate buyers.

The rise of snake oil salesmen reflects broader societal issues, such as the lack of medical regulation and the desperation of the public for cures.

It also highlights the need for critical thinking and skepticism in consumer behavior.

5. Professional Mourners: Crying for Cash

In ancient Rome and Victorian England, grieving families could hire professional mourners to weep at funerals.

These individuals, often women, were paid to wail, tear their clothes, and generally create a spectacle of sorrow.

The practice was rooted in the belief that a well-attended, emotionally charged funeral reflected the deceased’s social status.

Today, professional mourners can still be found in parts of Asia and Africa, proving that this unusual profession has stood the test of time.

This practice underscores the cultural significance of mourning rituals and their impact on societal perceptions of death.

Interestingly, professional mourners also played a role in shaping the collective grieving process, influencing how communities processed loss.

6. Rat Catching: A Dirty Job, But Someone Had to Do It

In medieval Europe, rat catchers were essential workers tasked with controlling the rodent population.

These individuals made a living by trapping and killing rats, which were not only a nuisance but also carriers of deadly diseases like the plague.

Some rat catchers became local celebrities, known for their skill and ingenuity.

One famous example is Jack Black, Queen Victoria’s official rat catcher, who even bred and sold fancy rats as pets.

This odd profession highlights how even the dirtiest jobs can become lucrative—and even glamorous—with enough expertise.

The role of rat catchers also reflects the public health challenges of the time, emphasizing the importance of sanitation and disease control.

Their work contributed significantly to improving living conditions in urban areas.

7. Human Zoos: Exploitation for Profit

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, "human zoos" were a disturbing yet profitable attraction in Europe and America.

Indigenous people from Africa, Asia, and the Americas were displayed in recreated villages, often under dehumanizing conditions.

These exhibitions were marketed as educational, but they were primarily designed to entertain and shock audiences.

While the practice is now widely condemned, it serves as a grim reminder of how people made money throughout history by exploiting others.

This exploitation raises critical questions about ethics, representation, and the commodification of culture.

The legacy of human zoos continues to influence discussions about race, colonialism, and the portrayal of marginalized communities.

8. Dinosaur Bone Wars: Fossil Frenzy

In the late 1800s, the discovery of dinosaur fossils sparked a fierce rivalry between paleontologists Othniel Charles Marsh and Edward Drinker Cope.

Known as the "Bone Wars," this competition led to the excavation of hundreds of fossils—and some shady business practices.

Both men hired teams to dig up bones, often resorting to bribery, theft, and even sabotage to outdo each other.

The fossils they uncovered were sold to museums and private collectors, fueling public fascination with prehistoric life.

This bizarre chapter in scientific history shows how ambition and greed can drive even the most scholarly pursuits.

The Bone Wars also contributed to significant advancements in paleontology, despite the unethical tactics employed.

Their rivalry ultimately led to a greater understanding of dinosaur species and evolution.

9. Pigeon Poop: The Gold in Guano

In the 19th century, bird droppings became a highly sought-after commodity.

Known as guano, it was prized as a powerful fertilizer and a key ingredient in gunpowder.

Countries like Peru built entire economies around the export of guano, leading to what historians call the "Guano Age."

The demand was so high that it sparked international conflicts, including the Chincha Islands War between Spain and Peru.

This strange yet lucrative trade demonstrates how even the most unlikely resources can become valuable under the right circumstances.

The guano boom also highlights the environmental impact of resource extraction and the consequences of overexploitation.

As industries evolved, the lessons learned from the guano trade informed future agricultural and economic practices.

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10. Crash Test Dummies: Human Guinea Pigs

Before the invention of crash test dummies, car manufacturers used human volunteers to test vehicle safety.

In the 1950s, people could earn money by strapping themselves into cars and enduring controlled crashes.

While this practice was eventually phased out due to ethical concerns, it played a crucial role in advancing automotive safety.

Today, crash test dummies have replaced human volunteers, but the legacy of these brave—or desperate—individuals lives on.

The evolution of safety testing reflects broader societal changes regarding ethics and the treatment of individuals in research.

The transition from human testing to dummies highlights the importance of ethical standards in scientific and industrial practices.

Conclusion: The Enduring Spirit of Innovation

The ways people made money throughout history reveal a common thread: the ability to adapt and innovate in the face of challenges.

Whether it was selling mummies, renting out wives, or trading tulips, these unusual methods reflect the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the human spirit.

While some of these practices are now consigned to the past, they offer valuable lessons about the intersection of economics, culture, and morality.

As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, it’s worth remembering that the drive to survive—and thrive—can lead to some truly extraordinary solutions.

By exploring these strange yet true stories, we gain a deeper understanding of how people made money throughout history and the lengths they were willing to go to secure their fortunes.

Who knows what bizarre money-making schemes the future will bring?

As society continues to evolve, so too will the methods people use to adapt to their circumstances.