Indestructible glass, rainmakers, and death rays have all been lost to history. Discover some of the most mysterious inventions we will never see.
The world has never been more technologically advanced than it is now, but that doesn’t mean that some things haven’t been lost along the way. Many of the technologies, inventions, and manufacturing processes of antiquity have simply disappeared with the passage of time, while others are still not fully understood by modern day scientists.
10Roman Concrete
Roman cement structures have lasted 2000 years – 10 times longer than modern day cement can last. The materials are unknown, one possible substance used is blood.
09Tesla´s earthquake machine
Through slight vibrations, a tiny machine attached to buildings can allegedly causes them to shake and collapse. The 1898 machine was destroyed by inventor Nikola Tesla who feared the damage it the could do.
08Stradivarius violins
Constructed between 1650-1750, the Italian violins have a sound quality impossible to reproduce. A family secret, the method was lost after their deaths – surviving instruments sell for over 15 million dollar.
07Silphium
A plant used as a contraceptive drug was so treasured that it was depicted on Roman currency. Only is able to grow on a small patch of the Mediterranean cost. Silphium was lost to probable overharvesting.
06Cloud-buster
Wilhelm Reich´s rainmaking cloud dispersal machine allegedly tested successfully in the 1950´s. Targeted by the Food and Drug Administration, his research was banned and invention destroyed.
05Antikythera mechanism
Recovered from a shipwreck in the 1900s, the purpose of the 2000 year-old mechanism is unknown. Suspected to calculate lunar phases, researches have been unable to decipher its construction.
04Damascus steel
Damascus steel derived from Indian Wootz steel, an incredibly strong metal that formed fearsome blades. Created between 1100-1700, the formula was lost due to secrecy among forgers.
03Death Ray Project
A machine that produces a beam of energy able to destroy enemy planes 250 miles away. Plans for Tesla´s 1930s invention went missing after his death – presumed taken by Pentagon.
02Flexible Glass
Created during Caesar´s 14-47 AD reign, a shatterproof glass which when dropped only slightly dents. Its creator was executed as the Roman Emperor feared the glass would devalue gold and silver.
01Greek fire
Greek fire was used in the siege of Constantinople, a fiery naval weapon which could burn on water. We remain unsure of the composition or safe method of lighting.
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