InfoSearched
Published -
- August 19, 2018
- 5:00 pm
Thousands of years ago great minds managed to create incredible technologies that were way ahead of their time, like a fire that couldn’t be extinguished by water, an unbreakable medieval sword, and even an ancient computer from 200 B.C.E.!
You’d be surprised to find out what crazy inventions existed back then that science still can’t explain today. If you’re ready to learn more about these mind-blowing ancient inventions plus a whole lot more, then keep on watching.
TIMESTAMPS
The stone globes of Costa Rica 0:59
The Roman dodecahedron 3:16
The Phaistos Disk in Crete 4:48
Greek fire 6:14
Damascus steel 7:31
The Iron pillar of Delhi 8:37
The Viking Ulfberht sword 10:11
The Voynich manuscript 11:56
The Zhang Heng seismograph 14:06
The Antikythera mechanism 15:12
SUMMARY
-Granodiorite rocks can easily be carved using temperature techniques. Hundreds of stone spheres were found quarried in the foothills of the Talamanca Mountains. Researchers even saw a gigantic ball weighing over 16 tons.
-The Roman dodecahedron had 12 flat pentagon-shaped faces with a knob protruding on each corner. It might have been a dice, a kid’s toy, a candle holder, a simple decoration, a measuring device on the battlefield, or an astronomical instrument, to name a few.
-The Phaistos Disk was made from clay and measures about 6.2 inches in diameter. Experts concluded that it was a prayer to an ancient Minoan goddess.
-The formula of Greek fire was a well-guarded state secret for over 7 centuries. Greek fire was used in naval warfare.
-Blades made from Damascus steel were the most sought after in medieval Europe. And that’s because they were the best swords at the time.
-The Iron pillar of Delhi dates back to the Gupta period, which lasted from about 240 to 590 C.E. A small amount of rust has started to form, but it is strange that there isn’t more.
-Viking Ulfberht swords are believed to have been made around 800 to 1,000 C.E., but experts were sure that the technology used to make swords of such extraordinary quality didn’t come around until 800 years later.
-The Voynich manuscript has 240 pages broken up into four sections: herbal, astrological, balneological, and pharmacological. There have literally been dozens of failed attempts to crack this thing.
-In 132 C.E., Zhang Heng, a Chinese inventor, astronomer, engineer, scientist, scholar, and artist, invented a seismoscope and presented it to the Han court as an instrument for measuring seasonal winds and the Earth’s movements.
What is the meaning behind the symbols on the Phaistos Disc, and who created it?
From the ancient Egyptians to the Mayans, civilizations across the globe have developed remarkable technologies that have allowed them to build incredible structures and make innovations that have changed the course of history. However, even with modern advancements in science and technology, there are still a number of ancient technologies that mystify scientists and experts today. These technologies continue to baffle us with their complexity and sophistication, and they remind us that there is still so much we have yet to learn about the world we live in.
Here are the top 10 oldest technologies that scientists still can’t explain.
1. Stonehenge
Built over 5,000 years ago, Stonehenge is an iconic structure that continues to amaze researchers and visitors alike. Though many theories exist around its purpose, the exact method of construction remains a mystery. The massive stones used in its construction weigh up to 50 tons each and were transported over great distances, leaving experts wondering how ancient builders could have accomplished such a feat.
2. The Antikythera Mechanism
Discovered in a shipwreck off the coast of Greece in 1901, the Antikythera Mechanism is an ancient analog computer that is believed to have been built around 100 BC. It is made up of a complex system of gears and wheels and is thought to have been used for astronomical and calendrical purposes. Despite extensive study, its precise use and construction remain a mystery.
3. The Nazca Lines
Located in Peru, the Nazca Lines are a series of complex geoglyphs that were first noticed by airplane passengers in the 1920s. Comprised of hundreds of shapes and lines, many of which are miles long, the purpose for their construction remains a mystery. However, it is thought that the Nazca Lines were created for spiritual and religious purposes.
4. The Baghdad Battery
The Baghdad Battery is a clay jar that is thought to have been made in ancient Mesopotamia around 200 BC. It is made up of a copper cylinder and an iron rod, both of which are sealed in bitumen. Though it is still unclear what specific purpose the battery served, it is thought to have been used for electroplating, medicine, and even religious purposes.
5. The Voynich Manuscript
Written in an unknown script, the Voynich Manuscript is a roughly 600-year-old book that remains one of the most mysterious manuscripts in history. Though many experts have attempted to decipher its meaning, the book’s purpose and contents remain a mystery to this day.
6. The Great Pyramids of Giza
One of the oldest and most iconic structures in the world, the Great Pyramids of Giza were built over 4,500 years ago. Their construction is still a mystery, as the massive size and weight of the stones used in their building would have been nearly impossible to transport using the methods known to have been available to ancient Egyptians.
7. The Phaistos Disc
A mysterious clay disk thought to have been created in ancient Crete over 3,000 years ago, the Phaistos Disc is covered in symbols that have never been deciphered. Despite intensive study by experts, the purpose and meaning behind the symbols remain a mystery.
8. The Bimini Road
Located near the island of Bimini in the Bahamas, the Bimini Road is a linear rock formation that is thought to be up to 7,000 years old. Though it is unclear how the formation was created, it has been suggested that it may have been part of an ancient submerged city or port.
9. The Giant Stone Spheres of Costa Rica
Located in the Diquis Delta region of Costa Rica, the Giant Stone Spheres are a series of perfectly spherical stones that are believed to have been created over 1,000 years ago. Though they remain a mystery, it is thought that the spheres may have been used for astronomical purposes, or as symbols of power.
10. The Moai of Easter Island
The Moai are a series of massive, carved statues that are found on Easter Island. Though they were created around 1,000 years ago, it is still unclear how the ancient inhabitants of the island managed to transport and erect them, as many of the statues weigh over 50 tons.
As these examples show, there are still many ancient technologies that continue to baffle experts today, and remind us that there is still much to learn about the past. Despite ongoing efforts, many of these mysteries remain unsolved, and it is uncertain whether we will ever fully understand their purpose and construction. However, they continue to intrigue and inspire us with their complexity and ingenuity, and they serve as a reminder that even the most ancient technology can still be remarkable and awe-inspiring today.
