Crazy Ancient Inventions 

While we're busy making big advancements in technology, such as creating self-driving cars and new AI systems, we often forget that it all started from humble beginnings. Being the first civilization to invent the wheel or pen might not sound like much, but don't forget we wouldn't be here today without these first discoveries. And considering the era they were built in, these 20 crazy ancient inventions are truly remarkable and showcase intelligence way beyond their time.

Photo by Cavaliere grande & Нурсауле Нурмагамбетова on Wikimedia Commons

1. Pens

Thanks to the brilliant minds of the Ancient Egyptians in the 4th century BC, they created the first working pen known to mankind. Also known as the "reed pen," this tool was used for writing on papyrus. Creating it took a lot of effort though, as a lot of care was put toward finding the right reeds and ensuring this fragile material wouldn't snap in the making.

Mary Harrsch on Wikimedia Commons

2. Papyrus

While it's nothing like the paper we're familiar with, papyrus was still one of the first writing materials made in history. It's said to have existed as far back as 3000 BC, all thanks to the Ancient Egyptians once again. Made from the papyrus plant's stalk, for which they had no short supply of, it resulted in this thick slab of writing paper.

Gary Todd from Xinzheng, China on Wikimedia Commons

3. Compass

It's incredible knowing that this remarkable invention, which is still used to this day, was first developed back in 206 BC in Ancient China. Though it was initially created during the Han Dynasty and used for fortune-telling purposes, it wasn't until the Song Dynasty that they realized its navigational potential.

Thomas Quine on Wikimedia Commons

4. Democracy

Because of the Ancient Greek's groundbreaking shift in politics, we don't have to worry about everyone living in a totalitarian government. First developed in Athens during the 5th century BC, adult male citizens were allowed to participate in elections. Of course, there's still the issue of equality, but at least it opened the doors to this more inclusive form of government.

 Philipp Foltz  (1805–1877) on Wikimedia Commons

5. The Olympics

Although it was very different from the Olympics we know and love now, this big event did exist back in Ancient Greece. As a way to honor the gods (namely Zeus), it was more of a religious celebration rather than a sporting event. But from running to javelin and chariot racing, there were plenty of different sports athletes could compete in for a chance to be viewed as a hero. 

O. Kuille on Wikimedia Commons

6. Eyeliner

Film depictions of Ancient Egyptians aren't always accurate, but they did get one thing right. Eyeliner made from kohl was heavily used on both men and women for religious and medical reasons. Not only did they think it would make them closer to the gods and protect them from evil spirits, but they also believed it had healing powers. 

Eva Rinaldi  (1971–) on Wikimedia Commons

7. Antikythera Mechanism

This image might seem a bit underwhelming, but what you're looking at is one of the most spectacular ancient pieces of tech ever made. First invented during Ancient Greek times, the Antikythera Mechanism is considered the world's first "computer." Used to help calculate mathematics involved in astronomy, this hand-powered machine is well beyond its time.

Zde on Wikimedia Commons

8. The Wheel

We all owe the Mesopotamians a huge thanks for inventing the wheel back in 3500 BC. Because where would we be without this amazing discovery? Though the design was simple back then, and likely first used for pottery, you've got to start somewhere. By simply combining rotating axles and round wooden discs, it laid the foundation for the all improvements to come. 

Kober on Wikimedia Commons

9. Concrete

Given that many Ancient Roman landmarks are still here today, it's proof that their construction materials are more than durable. The concrete they created is truly a marvel to behold. By mixing water, lime, and volcanic rock, they were able to build this strong material which created the foundation for many of their buildings.

Dietmar Rabich (1962–) on Wikimedia Commons

10. Chocolate

Turns out this sweet treat has been around for longer than you might've thought. Existing as far back as 1000 BC in Ancient Latin America, it's amazing knowing they were inventive enough to turn cacao into this delectable form. Most commonly turned into a chocolate drink, it's believed that they thought this food was connected to the gods.

Photo by Monique Carrati on Unsplash

11. Alarm Clock

Ever heard of the name Plato before? This influential Greek philosopher did more than just think the whole day - he invented the first alarm clock too. Using a creative system involving ceramic jugs and a hydraulic system, he was able to use physics to his advantage, helping him to wake up in the morning presumably for his lectures. 

Photo by Yaniv Knobel on Unsplash

12. Mints

You've likely never thought twice about mints before, but did you know the Ancient Egyptians are credited with creating the first ones? While it was obviously very different, they combined multiple ingredients like frankincense, myrrh, cinnamon, and honey to create this sweet item which hopefully masked some of their unpleasant smells. Looks like bad breath was a concern even during ancient times. 

Photo by Elsa Olofsson on Unsplash

13. Central Heating

Just like us, the Ancient Greeks were concerned with staying warm during the cold seasons. To combat this problem, they used their clever minds to invent the first instance of central heating. Using creative ways to spread out the heat from flues (ducts or pipes that exhaust gas) inserted in the ground, they were able to distribute this warmth. 

Photo by Julian Hochgesang on Unsplash

14. The Calendar

From the Julian calendar invented by the Ancient Romans to the Metonic cycle created by Meton of Athens, calendars and ways of tracking time have been around for centuries. It's even been said that the earliest calendars discovered have dated back to the Bronze Age. 

Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

15. Zero

It may not seem like much, especially when zero is typically used to describe "nothing," but it's amazing looking back to see when this empty number was first created. After all, how does one define emptiness? The earliest recorded piece of evidence showing the idea of zero traces back to Ancient Mesopotamia. Supposedly, they used to leave spaces in an attempt to note down this absence of something.

Image by Michaił Nowa from Pixabay

16. Pottery

Pottery is something we often associate with ancient times. Found across so many different civilizations, as far back as 18,000 BC in Ancient China, this art form has transformed over the centuries. Looking at these wonderful pieces give us a window into these unique and interesting eras. 

Image by wal_172619 from Pixabay

17. The Archimedes' Screw

Named after the brilliant Ancient Greek man who first described it, the Archimedes' screw is one of the world's earliest examples of a hydraulic machine. While studies have shown that this invention was already used in Ancient Egypt, Archimedes brought it to light. Helping raise water from low areas, this design was so brilliant, it's still incorporated into our systems today.

Cavaliere grande on Wikimedia

18. The Baghdad Battery

Believed to be the first instance of an ancient battery, the Baghdad Battery consists of a clay pot, a copper tube, and an iron rod. It's roughly suspected to have existed between either 150 B - 223 AD or 224 - 650 AD. While there's no way to actually confirm the purpose behind this unique creation, many like to believe it's the first time some form of battery was made. 

Ironie on Wikimedia Commons

19. Greek Fire

First introduced way back in 672 AD, this powerful and dangerous weapon was a gamechanger for battles on the water. To this day, historians are still unsure what exact components were used to create Greek fire. What we know for sure though is it was effective at taking down ships and setting everything (including the water) aflame. 

undefined on Wikimedia

20. Pipe Organ

Said to have been played in Roman arenas, the pipe organ is surprisingly a musical instrument that's been around for forever. Credited with inventing this way back in the 3rd century BC, many musicians of this age have Ctesibus of Alexandria to thank.

Photo by Edoardo Botez on Unsplash