A 2,000-Year-Old Razor: The Sharpened Secret of Roman Grooming Hits the Auction Block!

A slice of Roman history is about to change hands, with a 2,000-year-old razor set to take the auction spotlight in England. This intriguing artifact—a 3.5-inch iron blade—offers a glimpse into the grooming practices of ancient Romans who valued a clean-shaven appearance as a marker of sophistication. Auctioneer Charles Hanson paints a vivid picture of this razor’s past, suggesting it could share the stories of countless chins it once glided over.

Back in the day, being smooth-faced wasn’t just a trend; it was a cultural expectation linked to a standard of urbanity. Notables like Augustus and Julius Caesar were often depicted sans beard, likely making this razor an essential tool for the well-groomed elite. With an amusing twist, the story reveals that some emperors were so wary of barbers that they overlooked fate with a fresh shave. In a way, the more things change, the more they stay the same—some of us still can’t shake those haircut jitters!