The Baghdad Battery Still Sparks Debate About Ancient Electricity
The Baghdad Battery still generates debate about whether ancient people discovered electricity long before we
The “Baghdad Battery” – ceramic pot battery and the world's oldest “ceramic pot battery” was discovered in the remains of Khu jut Rabu, a village in the outskirts of the Iraqi capital Baghdad. This battery is more than 2,000 years old. It was thought that it was used for metallic plating, rather than as a battery to generate electricity.
In short, they had all the makings of a rudimentary battery. However, before jumping to any conclusions, let's examine the science behind the claim and whether the Baghdad battery stands up to some reasoned arguments. The history of Baghdad batteries is as murky as the claims of their purpose.
When it's a Baghdad battery. Some "weird history" authors and armchair archaeologists have claimed that a group of artifacts discovered in 1938 were ancient "batteries."
The Baghdad Battery could indeed generate electricity, though weak and unstable. It was enough, theoretically, to produce a tingling sensation on the skin or to power very rudimentary electroplating.
PDF version includes complete article with source references.
Get technical specifications, application guides, and ROI analysis tools for containerized power stations, portable photovoltaic containers, and microgrid energy storage solutions.
18 Industrial Park Road, Midrand
Johannesburg, South Africa 1685
Sales & General: +27 11 568 3400
Technical Support: +27 82 459 7781
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM SAST
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM SAST