A Galvanic Cell from 250 BC?
Electricity is supposed to be a modern discovery, harnessed in the 18th and 19th centuries. Yet, a clay pot discovered near Baghdad, Iraq, in 1938 suggests that the Parthian Empire might have beaten Benjamin Franklin by 2,000 years. Known as the “Baghdad Battery,” this artifact consists of a yellow clay jar, a copper cylinder, and an iron rod. When filled with an acidic liquid like grape juice or vinegar, this configuration acts as a functional galvanic cell.
The Science Behind the Pot
Wilhelm König, the German archaeologist who identified the object, proposed that it was used as an electric battery. Replicas built by engineers (including the MythBusters team) have proven that the device can indeed generate a low voltage current (around 1 to 2 volts).
- Electroplating Gold: The most popular theory is that these batteries were wired together to electroplate gold onto silver objects. This would explain the high quality of gilding found in some ancient jewelry.
- Religious Magic: Others suggest the batteries were hidden inside statues or idols. When a worshiper touched the metal statue, they would receive a slight electric shock, interpreting it as the “power of the god.”
- Pain Relief: Ancient texts mention using electric fish for pain relief. Perhaps these batteries were an artificial substitute for localized acupuncture-style shock therapy.
The Missing Wires: The biggest argument against the battery theory is the lack of wires found with the pots. However, iron wires would have corroded away centuries ago. If the Baghdad Battery was truly a power source, it means humanity discovered-and then forgot-electricity thousands of years ago.