Circus freak shows: the dark history of entertainment

In the golden age of the circus, colorful banners lured curious crowds to witness nature's oddities. Inside those dimly-lit tents, they encountered living legends: conjoined twins, bearded ladies, towering giants, and other such performers. Often ridiculed and outcast, these so-called "circus freaks" were unique individuals who found a livelihood and acceptance of a sort in the circus, where their extraordinary traits became their ticket to a better life. Yet many were forced into being a circus freak for nothing but money and the perverted pleasure of others.

In this gallery, step into the tent of sideshow history. Click on to discover the dark side of this form of entertainment.