ancient technology
Old civilization's tools
Ancient technology refers to tools, techniques, or devices from past civilizations that seem surprisingly sophisticated.
The phrase often carries wonder at how much earlier peoples accomplished: The Antikythera mechanism is ancient technology we still don't fully understand.
It also appears in science fiction and fantasy for advanced devices left by lost or alien civilizations, discovered and often misunderstood by modern characters.
- water clocksTime measured by drip
- sundialsTime-telling garden fixtures
- astrolabesDevices measuring star positions
- cartsSmall wheeled vehicles
- aqueductsChannels conveying water distances
pyramids · chariots · compasses · stone masonry · pneumatics · cuneiform tablets · lunar calendars · star charts · hydraulics · shaduf · papyrus scrolls · wax seals · lost knowledge · fire starting · Roman concrete · arches · kilns · domes
- classicsHomer, Iliad, the Iliad, Odyssey, the Odyssey
- Lost WorldsAtlantis, Lemuria, Mu, El Dorado, Shangri-La
- Ancient Aliensextraterrestrial contact, alien gods, sky people, sky gods, alien artifacts
- Pseudohistorylost civilizations, fringe theories, alternative history, Lemuria, Mu
ancient technologycutting-edge technology
Most advanced available innovations
advanced technology · digital technology · high technology · futuristic technology · emerging technology