7 Ancient Technologies Far Too Advanced For Their Time

Summary

This video explores ancient technological marvels that still astonish modern audiences. It features the first vending machine, the rapid-fire Chinese repeating crossbow, a 2000-year-old hydraulic hammer, a massive Egyptian boat, and the assembly line production of chariots. Also highlighted are Archimedes' pulley system, a Roman multi-tool, and the use of copper tools by Egyptians for construction. The video suggests that many modern technologies were invented long ago but have been forgotten and are now being re-discovered.

Takeaways

• 💧 The first vending machine was described by Hero of Alexandria and dispensed holy water in exchange for a coin.
• 🏹 The repeating zuge crossbow from ancient China could fire 7-10 bolts in 15-20 seconds, making it an early rapid-fire weapon.
• 🔨 A 2000-year-old hydraulic hammer in China used water and gravity to crush grain, showcasing early automation in agriculture.
• 🚢 The Tesseracan Terrace, a massive wooden ship from 3rd century BC Egypt, was as large as a modern aircraft carrier and required 4000 rowers.
• 🏭 Pharaoh Ramesses II established a chariot factory with an assembly line, predating Henry Ford's method by thousands of years.
• 🔧 Archimedes invented the pulley system, which revolutionized lifting heavy loads and is still widely used today.
• 🗡️ A Roman multi-tool from 1800 years ago included a spoon, fork, knife, awl, and shovel, highlighting the ancient origins of modern convenience tools.
• 🛠️ Ancient Egyptians used copper tools, including saws and drills, to work with stone, debunking myths about the construction of the pyramids.
• 🏗️ Frescoes show that the ancient Egyptians had advanced construction techniques, contradicting theories that require extraterrestrial technology.
• 📚 The script suggests that many technologies considered modern were actually invented thousands of years ago, emphasizing the cyclical nature of innovation.

Q & A

What is considered the first vending machine in history?

The first vending machine was a simple device that dispensed a glass of holy water when a coin was inserted. It was first described by Hero of Alexandria, a mathematician and engineer from the first century A.D.

What was the Chinese repeating crossbow capable of?

The Chinese repeating crossbow, known as the 'Zuge crossbow,' could fire 7 to 10 bolts in 15 to 20 seconds, and an upgraded version could shoot two or three bolts simultaneously. It was incredibly efficient compared to ordinary crossbows and archers of the time.

How does the Chinese repeating crossbow compare to modern firearms?

The Chinese repeating crossbow shoots bolts at the same speed as the Winchester Model 1873 lever-action rifle, although it's not as fast as the AK-47.

What was the purpose of the 2,000-year-old hydraulic hammer found in China?

The hydraulic hammer used water and gravity to crush grain and produce flour. It could work continuously without breaks, replacing up to 10 people.

What was the Tesseracan Terrace, and who ordered its construction?

The Tesseracan Terrace was a massive wooden ship from the 3rd century BC, built by order of Pharaoh Ptolemy IV. It was the largest wooden ship in history, measuring 130 meters long, 20 meters wide, and 25 meters high.

How many rowers were on the Tesseracan Terrace, and what was their role?

There were 4,000 rowers on the Tesseracan Terrace, arranged in 50 rows on each side. Their role was to propel the ship through the water.

What was the significance of the factory built by Pharaoh Ramesses II?

The factory built by Pharaoh Ramesses II was significant because it was an assembly line for producing chariots, which was a form of early mass production. This was similar to modern assembly lines, although without a conveyor belt.

How did Archimedes' pulley system revolutionize lifting heavy loads?

Archimedes' pulley system allowed for the distribution of weight across a rope, enabling fewer people to lift heavy loads with less effort. This was a significant advancement in mechanics and made construction and transportation much easier.

What is the ancient Roman version of a Swiss army knife, and what did it include?

The ancient Roman version of a Swiss army knife was a multi-purpose tool that included a spoon, fork, knife, awl, and small shovel. It was a status symbol for rich travelers in ancient times.

What tools did the ancient Egyptians use to build the pyramids and carve statues?

The ancient Egyptians used tools such as copper saws and drills to cut and shape stone, including sandstone, limestone, and granite. These tools were capable of carving statues and constructing the pyramids.

What is the conclusion of the video script regarding the invention and rediscovery of technologies?

The video script suggests that many technologies considered modern were actually invented thousands of years ago. Humanity seems to have forgotten and is now rediscovering these ancient innovations.