While most of us use forks, umbrellas, and high heels without a second thought, these everyday items have surprisingly dark and violent pasts. From weapons disguised as dinnerware to fashion statements born on the battlefield, the history behind these objects is anything but ordinary.
Here are 15 common items that trace their roots to war, blood, or brutality.
1. Forks Were Once Seen as Sinful Weapons
Back in 11th century Europe, the fork wasn’t just new — it was blasphemous. Church leaders condemned it as a sinful tool of vanity. Its sharp design reminded people of pitchforks and hellfire, not dinner.
What they didn’t know is that forks were adapted from ancient weapons used by the elite to skewer and control food — and sometimes enemies.
2. Umbrellas Were Originally Battlefield Shields
While umbrellas now protect us from the rain, they were once used by warriors and royals to shield themselves from the sun — and threats. Some were even reinforced with metal to block arrows and blades.
In feudal Japan, samurai reportedly carried umbrella-like devices that could conceal sharp weapons.
3. High Heels Were Invented for Combat
Before high heels were associated with fashion, they were designed for war. Persian horsemen in the 10th century wore heels to keep their feet firmly in stirrups while firing arrows on horseback.
Heels gave riders a tactical edge. Later, European royalty adopted them to appear taller and more commanding.
4. Canned Food Was Invented to Feed Napoleon’s Army
The convenience of canned food has a military origin. In the early 1800s, Napoleon Bonaparte offered a reward to anyone who could find a way to preserve food for his ever-moving army.
The solution — sealing food in airtight cans — changed military logistics and revolutionized how we store food today.
5. Mirrors Were Used to Burn Enemy Ships
According to ancient accounts, Greek inventor Archimedes used massive polished mirrors to reflect sunlight and set Roman ships on fire during sieges.
Whether the science holds up or not, the concept sparked centuries of fascination with using light as a weapon and may have inspired the first theoretical laser.
6. Concrete Helped Rome Crush Its Enemies
Concrete isn’t just a construction staple — it was once a war-winning technology. The Romans developed a unique concrete mix using volcanic ash, enabling them to build roads, forts, and aqueducts that withstood both time and enemies.
This innovation allowed Rome to expand rapidly and control territories through superior infrastructure.
7. Ballpoint Pens Were Invented for Fighter Pilots
Fountain pens were useless at high altitudes as they leaked and froze. During World War II, the ballpoint pen was invented to solve this problem. It could write smoothly under extreme conditions, making it perfect for pilots. What began as a survival tool in the sky later became a desk drawer essential.
8. Salt Sparked Wars and Funded Empires
Salt was once so valuable that entire economies were built around it. Wars were fought over salt mines. Roman soldiers were even paid in salt, which is where we get the word “salary.” As such, the ingredient wasn’t just for seasoning; it preserved food, sustained armies, and became a symbol of power.
9. Fireworks Began as Weapons of War
The Chinese invented gunpowder in the 9th century — not for parties, but for warfare. Early fireworks were actually explosive devices used to scare enemies or launch projectiles.
The same basic compounds used for celebration today once lit up ancient battlefields.
10. Treadmills Were Designed for Prison Punishment
Today’s treadmills help you burn calories, but they were originally built to break spirits. In 19th century England, prisoners were forced to walk long hours on rotating “tread wheels” as punishment.
These machines weren’t just exhausting — they were deliberately cruel. The goal wasn’t fitness, it was submission.
11. Lipstick Was Once Worn to Intimidate
While lipstick now symbolizes beauty, it once symbolized power. In ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, both men and women used crushed gemstones and dyes on their lips to appear intimidating and divine.
In battle, a brightly painted face could strike fear into opponents — or convince them you were backed by the gods.
12. Zippers Came from Military Uniforms
The modern zipper was originally created to speed up the process of fastening clothing, especially for soldiers. During World War I, zippers were introduced on uniforms to replace time-consuming buttons.
Quick closures weren’t about fashion — they were about survival in fast-moving combat zones.
13. Sunglasses Were Used to Hide Executions
In ancient China, sunglasses made of smoky quartz weren’t just for blocking light — they were used by judges during interrogations and executions. The dark lenses helped conceal the judge’s expressions while handing down death sentences.
14. Toothbrushes Evolved from Prison Shanks
The modern toothbrush can be traced back to jails, where inmates would modify chewing sticks into tools for both hygiene and self-defense. Early prison toothbrushes were sometimes sharpened and used in fights.
It wasn’t until much later that soft-bristle versions became widely commercialized for dental use.
15. Neckties Originated from Military Uniforms
The necktie, now a symbol of professionalism, started as a practical piece of military gear. In the 17th century, Croatian soldiers wore cloth bands around their necks to keep their jackets closed and to distinguish ranks.
The French adopted the style, calling it a “cravat,” and it eventually evolved into the necktie we know today — a fashion statement born from battlefield identity.