Examples of Ancient High Tech
The 'Derveni Krater' serves as a reminder of how advanced ancient Europe was. But it should also serve as a warning of how fragile civilization is.
1. The Antikythera mechanism is described as the oldest example of an analog computer. Equivalent complexity didn't appear again until the 18th century.
2. The Hero engine was a rocket-style jet engine that spins when heated. In the 1st century AD, Hero of Alexandria described the device, and many sources give him the credit for its invention.
3. Even today scientists find inspiration in the ancient Roman concrete which has withstood 2,000 years of earthquakes.
4. The Lycurgus Cup, a Roman glass cage cup made of dichroic glass. It features particles that are only about 70 nanometers across and embedded in the glass, so they cannot be seen by optical microscopy, and a transmission electron microscope is needed instead.
Imagine what could have been if these ancient civilizations hadn’t collapsed! Let’s make sure not to repeat their mistakes.