Ancient Technology
Some objects were softer than others.
An unexpected ancient manufacturing strategy may hold the key to designing concrete that lasts for millennia.
Mesopotamian beer was not flavored with hops, and it was probably on the thick, porridgey side.
Bloodcurdling war cries, shrieking elephants, and whistling arrows all made soldiers flee in terror.
Before gunpowder was introduced to the West, medieval Arabs devised grenades using crockery.
The ancient Maya enjoyed filling their teeth with gemstones. A new study reveals how the procedure was done and how it didn't kill them.
An elaborate device called the Mechanical Turk defeated Benjamin Franklin and Napoleon Bonaparte at chess. Edgar Allan Poe revealed the hoax.
These astounding inventions show that civilizations of the past were a lot more advanced than we might have thought.
From the tablets of the Babylonians to the telescopes of modern science, humans have always looked to the skies for fundamental answers.
Understanding the factors behind recent growth could help us better approach inequality.
Researchers speculate the famous monument was one of the world’s first solar calendars, possibly inspired by trade with ancient Egyptians.
Da Vinci dreamed up a helicopter 400 years before they actually existed. Now, engineers have brought his design to life, but with a twist.
Many key inventions were unique: one-offs.
If you put very fine black powder powder in a confined space it explodes in a cloud of heat, gas and noise.
It’s all well and good to discuss how our humanity evolved – but what even is humanity?
Air conditioning may keep a room cool, but using it is heating up the planet. It is time for something new — or old.
Evolution proves to be just about as ingenious as Nikola Tesla
How fabric helped build modern civilization.
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A new model of the Antikythera mechanism reveals a "creation of genius."
The chariot survived ancient eruptions and modern-day looters to become a part of the world heritage site.