Ancient technology was more sophisticated than we think, modern people may not have expected it.

Technologies that seem to only be possible in modern times have existed since ancient times, proving the outstanding creativity of ancient people.

Some technological inventions that our ancestors created

Since ancient times or the Middle Ages, there have been extremely sophisticated technologies that have surprised even us, people living in modern times. There are technologies, some of which are the result of extremely advanced techniques, which serve as the foundation for the development of later technologies. However, many have been forgotten or lost.

Printer

The printing press reached its full potential thanks to inventor Johannes Gutenberg

In the 11th century, printing technology was extremely developed in China. But few people know that since the Middle Ages, under the contribution of Johannes Gutenberg, the printing press was widely applied and opened the era of mass production of printed type. This is considered the most important technological invention of the Middle Ages, playing a fundamental role in the Renaissance and Enlightenment.

Quadrant and astrolabe

The first complex instrument to measure distances between celestial bodies.

An astrolabe is a rather complex device that can measure the tilt of celestial bodies in the sky, whether at night or during the day, in order to locate them. In addition, they can be used to determine the surveyor's latitude and local time.

Although it has been around since ancient times, astronomers improved and made this device more sophisticated during the Middle Ages. These are considered the first "computers" to help measure the distance between objects, and are also "invaluable" devices in determining direction and studying astronomy.

Although still in their early stages, these two devices became the basis for further development of astronomical research.

Mercury-based gold plating

Ancient people's gold plating techniques were extremely sophisticated.

Since ancient times, gold plating technology has been widely applied to interiors, especially church interiors and monuments of religious figures around the world. Goldsmiths during that period used mercury to gold plate many objects. Notably, the quality of the products made during this period was so sophisticated that many current technologies cannot surpass it.

Sun Stone

The stone that helped the Vikings cross the sea without a compass.

Legend has it that these Sunstones helped the Vikings navigate the seas without a compass. Even scientists were puzzled by these stones for a long time. The story of the Sunstone was once considered a hoax or a far-fetched magical tale, however, researchers have now claimed that the stones and their magical abilities are real.

A chemical analysis confirmed that the stone was an Icelandic mineral, or calcite crystal.

Drilling technology

Ancient people were amazing drillers.

Our ancestors were incredible drillers, and evidence of this can be found all over the world: large holes drilled into ancient rock formations. Even modern humans cannot create such perfectly round holes without a 'fancy' drill. This suggests that ancient technology may have been more advanced than we think.

Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology appears in the Lycurgus Cup, leaving scientists at a loss to explain.

The Lycurgus Cup is an extraordinary example of how advanced ancient nanotechnology really was. Nanotechnology is the use of matter at extremely small scales (which can be atomic, molecular, or supramolecular) for industrial purposes. So the appearance of metal particles measuring only 50 nanometers in size (1,000 times smaller than a grain of salt) in an ancient cup has left scientists 'scratched'. The famous cup is made of dichroic glass, which can change color depending on the light.

The Oracle Room

The ancient room has the ability to magically amplify sound.

In 1902, workers building a water tank in Malta accidentally discovered the Hypogeum (Greek for underground). Not only did it surprise scientists with its complex labyrinth structure, this relic also attracted people's attention thanks to a special room called the 'Oracle Chamber'. 

However, its true power is not the prophetic ability as in legend, but something else.

One of the unique features of this room is its ability to amplify sound many times over. Although it has not been proven, based on the unique limestone carvings on the walls, it is believed that this room was originally used by a prophet.