Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know the Ancients Had

Discover the Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know the Ancients Had, from advanced glassware and mechanical calculators to biological weapons, cosmetics, and heated indoor swimming pools. Explore the surprising innovations of ancient civilizations that laid the foundation for modern technology and practices.

1. GLASSWARE

The earliest known use of glassware dates back to ancient Mesopotamia. Several civilizations, such as the Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians, later copied and refined its use.

2. MECHANICAL ASTROLOGICAL CALCULATOR

The Antikythera Mechanism, produced between 150 and 100 BC, is the earliest known example of a mechanical calculator for tracking astronomical objects. Its gear system was used to compute the position of the sun, moon, and possibly other celestial bodies, showcasing a complexity rivaling that of 18th-century clocks.

3. CONCRETE

The Romans pioneered “modern” concrete as a revolutionary building material. It was lightweight, durable, set underwater, and remained pliable when wet. Interestingly, Roman concrete remains superior to some of the concrete used today.

4. POSTAL SYSTEM

Many ancient civilizations developed postal systems, primarily for official governmental or military communication. These were often the most efficient means of transmitting information across distances.

5. HEATED INDOOR SWIMMING POOLS

The Baths of Caracalla in ancient Rome featured both heated and cooled baths, along with gyms and locker rooms. The underfloor heating network in these pools demonstrated remarkable engineering, with furnaces creating thermal variations.

6. BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS

Ancient armies employed biological warfare tactics, such as catapulting rotting carcasses or using diseased prisoners to poison water supplies. These tactics aimed to demoralize enemy forces and spread disease during sieges.

7. MEDICINES

Ancient civilizations developed complex medical practices. Treatments included using honey as an antiseptic, maggots to clean wounds, and horsehair stitches. They also performed surgeries, like cataract correction, with precision instruments.

8. FLAMETHROWER

The Byzantines used flamethrowers on ships to burn enemy vessels. These devices functioned through a siphon pump that sprayed ignited flammable liquid, creating fearsome naval weapons.

9. ODOMETER

The Greeks and Romans both developed odometers to measure distances. The Roman version featured a cart with wheels that engaged a cogwheel after every Roman mile, offering a simple but effective means of tracking travel.

10. COSMETICS

Cosmetic use dates back to ancient Rome, where women applied metal-based powders for makeup. Lead-oxide was used to lighten the complexion, and charcoal served as eyeliner. The Romans were also the first to use pocket mirrors.