The Colourful Story of Captain Costentenus

Unusual As Usual

George Costentenus was born on 17th April 1833 in Souli, Greece and was known for his elaborate and extensive red and blue tattoos.

As the story goes, he was captured while on an expedition in Burma and taken prisoner to be subjected to a three-month-long tattooing session against his will. He had to be held down by four men during this process, and after the tattooing was completed, he eventually managed to escape.

By 1876, he was under contract with P.T. Barnum and proved to be a very successful attraction eventually commanding a huge weekly salary.

According to legend after going blind he willed half of his fortune to the Greek Church of London, the other half of his fortune he divided amongst his fellow showmen and friends before fading into obscurity around 1889.

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Fact Analysis: Although careful research is implemented to assure accurate and correct information, sometimes it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction (or ‘humbug', as P.T. Barnum would say). If you find any information in this podcast inaccurate, please do let me know via social media.