Oh Baby, It’s A Wild World: Curious Photos That Are Changing Our Worldview

Now it’s time for a bit of a history lesson. Back in the day, people would attach a ball and chain to their legs to keep someone in one place. It was like a super fancy ankle bracelet. But unlike the ankle bracelets they give you when you’re on house arrest, these things were heavy. If you ever found yourself wearing these, chances were you probably wouldn’t manage to escape.

Like, can’t-walk-more-than-a-few-steps heavy. It was pretty much a guaranteed way to keep someone from running away. But let’s be real; it’s not like people were breaking out of prison all the time! They could hardly climb over the walls with a ball and chain attached to their leg. But if they did, it would be a great workout routine!