The longer scientists research our ancient heritage, the more questions arise. It seems that the ancient world might be very different from how we imagine it.
Colombian golden airplane, 4th-7th centuries AD
Colombian golden airplane, 4th-7th centuries AD
The Colombian golden airplane refers to Quimbaya artifacts. Scientists believe that these items are no more than the stylized recreations of birds and insects. However, there are theorists who claim that the airplanes represent ancient flying machines. It was also proved that enlarged replicas of these artifacts can actually fly.
Roman dodecahedron, 2nd-3rd centuries AD
About a hundred such items have been found all over the world: in Italy, the UK, France, Germany, Hungary, and even in Vietnam. Speculated uses of the dodecahedron include candlestick holders, dice, gauges to calibrate water pipes, or even a fortune-telling device.
Nimrod lens, 750-710 BC
This optical lens made of crystal rock was unearthed at the Assyrian palace of Nimrud, in modern-day Iraq, in 1850. The lens is equivalent to a 3X magnifying effect. Some scientists believe that it was part of a telescope or had a decorative function.
Baghdad battery, c. 2500 BC
The battery consists of terracotta pots containing a copper cylinder housing a single iron rod. Replicas of these pots filled with electrolytes could produce a voltage of approximately 2 volts. Perhaps the ancient Babylonians were aware of the galvanizing method and used the item to electroplate gold onto silver objects. However, skeptics claim that these pots were used as storage for scrolls
Egyptian pyramid construction techniques, 2667 BC
Scientists still cannot come to an agreement about which construction techniques were used to build the Egyptian pyramids. There are a few different construction hypotheses. One of them claims that the stones were not actually carved but made of concrete right at the construction place. However, this method does not explain the huge natural granite stones weighing over 10 tons.
Flexible glass, 14-37 AD
An unknown craftsman invented a flexible glass that couldn’t be broken. He made a drinking bowl out of it and brought it to the Roman Emperor Tiberius Caesar as a gift. Ceasar appreciated the gift and beheaded the inventor for fear that such a material could undermine the value of gold and silver.
