Ancient inventions
39 entries in the Ancient Inventions compendium.
AeolipileFirst recorded steam turbine, a curiosity of ancient engineering.Aqueduct (bridge)Bridges built to lead water across valleys or ravines.Aqueduct (water supply)Ancient and modern systems for conveying water from source to users.Archimedes' heat rayA disputed ancient solar weapon attributed to Archimedes.Archimedes' screwA helical screw used for pumping water and generating power.Armillary sphereA spherical framework of rings modeling the celestial sphere.Comedy (drama)A dramatic genre with happy endings and humorous tone.DioptraClassical instrument for measuring angles in astronomy and surveying.Drip irrigationModern drip irrigation was invented in Israel in the 1960s.Equatorial ringHellenistic instrument for determining equinox moments.EquatoriumA geometrical instrument for calculating planetary positions without arithmetic.EscapementA mechanical linkage that drives timekeeping and produces the ticking sound.Food steamerA small appliance for cooking food with steam heat.GlassblowingGlassblowing invented inflation of molten glass via blowpipe.Government notePaper money issued directly by a government, not a bank.Groma (surveying)Roman surveying tool for projecting right angles and straight lines.Heron's fountainA hydraulic machine demonstrating air and water pressure.Hierapolis sawmillEarliest known machine combining crank and connecting rod.Hippocratic benchAncient traction device for bone setting and dislocation reduction.Horse millA mill powered by horses, used for grinding and pumping.HydraulicsTechnology using pressurized liquids for power and control.Hydraulis of DionEarliest archaeological pipe organ, discovered at Dion in 1992.HypocaustAncient Roman underfloor heating system that circulated hot air.Clothes ironA heated appliance for pressing clothes to remove wrinkles.LeverA rigid beam pivoted to amplify force.LustrewarePottery with a metallic, iridescent glaze from a reduction-fired overglaze.OrreryMechanical model illustrating planetary motions, named after the Earl of Orrery.Pythagorean cupA drinking cup that empties itself when overfilled.Quadrant (instrument)An angle-measuring instrument derived from the astrolabe.RudderA control surface for steering through fluid media.Steam cannonA cannon that launches projectiles using heat and water.SundialA device that tells time using the Sun's shadow or light.Teeth-cleaning twigAncient oral hygiene tool made from a tree twig.ToothbrushA handheld tool for cleaning teeth, gums, and tongue.TragedyA drama genre invoking catharsis through human suffering.Triquetrum (astronomy)Medieval astronomical instrument for measuring celestial altitudes.Underfloor heatingAncient smoke-trench method evolved into modern hydronic and electric systems.Vending machineAutomated machine dispensing goods after payment.Waru WaruPre-Hispanic raised-field agriculture of the Andes.
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