Flea circuses provided entertainment to nineteenth century audiences.
These circuses, extremely popular in Europe from 1830 onwards, featured fleas dressed as humans or towing miniature carts, chariots, rollers or cannon.
These devices were originally made by watchmakers or jewellers to show off their skill at miniaturization.
A ringmaster called a "professor" accompanied their performance with a rapid circus patter.
Flea circuses provided entertainment to nineteenth century audiences. These circuses, extremely popular in Europe from 1830 onwards, featured fleas dressed as humans or towing miniature carts, chariots, rollers or cannon. These devices were originally made by watchmakers or jewellers to show off their skill at miniaturization. A ringmaster called a "professor" accompanied their performance with a rapid circus patter.
Flea