The Baghdad Battery: Ancient Power or Historical Puzzle?

The Baghdad Battery discovered in the 1930s by a German archaeologist. This intriguing find consisted of a clay jar, a copper cylinder, and an iron rod through the jar’s stopper. The top, which was broken off, might have been sealed with asphalt. The archaeologist noticed the combination of different metals and possibly an electrolyte, which are key components of a battery. Although there are no ancient writings to support this theory, scientists found that when the jar was filled with an ionic solution like vinegar or wine, it could indeed conduct electricity. If this battery was from 2,000 years ago, it could have been used in ancient medical practices or even to make statues buzz to impress people. Some believe it was used for electroplating, a process for coating metals. However, if it was used as a battery, it could only produce around 1 volt of electricity, so some think it might have been used as a storage container for sacred scrolls.