Blog

Nov 07, 2024

Baghdad Battery: What if electricity was discovered 2000 years ago?

Was the Baghdad Battery a medical device, a religious artifact, or the first known instance of a battery? Explore the theories and experiments that attempt to uncover the function of this

Was the Baghdad Battery a medical device, a religious artifact, or the first known instance of a battery? Explore the theories and experiments that attempt to uncover the function of this 2000-year-old enigma.

Kaif Shaikh

The jar was discovered in present-day Khujut Rabu, Iraq in 1936, close to the metropolis of Ctesiphon.

Pexels/Wikimedia Commons

Electrochemical storage technologies are essential to modern life, fueling everything from smartphones to sustainable transportation. Yet, the roots of this technology extend deep into antiquity, far beyond today’s lithium-ion marvels. The so-called Baghdad Battery is among the most mysterious artifacts in the annals of ancient technology.

Unearthed in 1936 near the ruins of Ctesiphon, this assembly of a ceramic pot, copper tube, and iron rod presents a puzzle that has baffled the scientific community for nearly a century.

Was it an ancient tool for electrochemical energy storage, or does its significance lie elsewhere? The debate continues, as does the quest to unlock the secrets of our electrochemical past.

The Baghdad Battery was discovered in 1936 at Khujut Rabu, near Baghdad, Iraq, not far from the historical metropolis of Ctesiphon, the capital city during both the Parthian (150 BC – 223 AD) and Sasanian (224–650 AD) empires.

The artifact consists of a ceramic pot about 140 mm tall, a copper tube created from a rolled copper sheet, and an iron rod centrally positioned within the copper tube. This unusual assembly has led to significant debate regarding its purpose and origins.

In 1938, Wilhelm König, then the director of the National Museum of Iraq, posited a theory that captured the imagination of many. He suggested that these artifacts could be remnants of a galvanic cell, potentially used for electroplating or electrotherapy. This hypothesis was inspired by the object’s design and materials, which are conducive to creating a galvanic reaction when an acidic or electrolytic solution is added.

The Baghdad Battery continues to spark diverse theories regarding its purpose, ranging from practical to spiritual applications, reflecting the enigmatic nature of its design and construction.

Some scholars suggest that the Baghdad Battery may have been used to electroplate precious metals like gold or silver onto less valuable objects. However, no known electroplated objects from the same period exist.

The use of asphalt as a sealant and evidence of corrosive properties inside the jar indicates that it may have contained an acidic substance, such as vinegar or wine, which could have served as the electrolytic solution needed for electroplating.

The potential medical applications of the Baghdad Battery include electrotherapy, which might have been used for pain relief and other treatments. This theory gains support from the discovery of bronze and iron needles alongside the batteries in Seleucia, suggesting they could have been used for acupuncture practices known in China at the time.

Additionally, historical records indicate that ancient Greeks and Romans may have used electric fish to treat ailments such as headaches and gout, indicating familiarity with electrical treatments.

Another intriguing possibility is that the Baghdad Battery was employed in religious or spiritual rituals. One hypothesis posits that it was used to electrify religious idols, creating a shocking experience when touched, thereby imbuing the object with a sense of divine or supernatural power.

However, if the battery had been intended to store and preserve sacred scrolls, the presence of an electrolytic liquid would have made document preservation unsuitable, complicating this theory.

Researchers have attempted to replicate the Baghdad Battery to understand its functionality and potential uses:

Willard Gray: Following World War II, Gray conducted experiments showing that when filled with grape juice, a reconstruction of the Baghdad Battery could produce an electric current, lending some credence to the theory of its use as a galvanic cell.

Arne Eggebrecht, 1978: Eggebrecht attempted to use a reconstruction of the Baghdad Battery to electroplate gold onto a small statue. Although the experiment reportedly succeeded, no direct records (photographic or written) of the procedure or results exist, which has led to skepticism among the scientific community.

The interpretation of the Baghdad Battery has seen varied opinions, from enthusiastic support of its capabilities to staunch skepticism:

Scholarly Consensus: The archaeological community remains predominantly skeptical of the battery theory. Many experts argue that the artifacts were likely used for more conventional purposes, such as storage vessels for sacred scrolls, based on similar findings at nearby sites and the cultural context of the time. The electroplating theory is particularly disputed due to the lack of definitive archaeological evidence supporting the existence of electroplating knowledge during the Baghdad Battery’s era.

MythBusters, 2005: The popular science show built replicas of the jars, using lemon juice as an electrolyte, and demonstrated that they could produce about 4 volts of electricity when connected in series. This setup was capable of minor electroplating and electrostimulation but not strong enough to deliver a significant electric shock.

From speculative ancient devices like the Baghdad Battery to today’s sophisticated systems, the evolution of battery technology reflects a continual push towards more efficient, safe, and high-capacity energy storage solutions.

The journey to modern battery technology began with Alessandro Volta’s invention of the Voltaic Pile in 1791. This device, which produced about 1V from zinc and copper plates separated by brine-soaked paper, marked the first true battery and set the stage for future developments in electrochemical storage.

The 19th century saw the introduction of the lead-acid battery, the first rechargeable battery to be widely used, particularly in automobiles. Despite its drawbacks—significant weight and a limited lifespan—it was a pivotal development. The early 20th century brought Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries, offering improved energy density and longer cycle life but accompanied by environmental and health concerns.

A major advancement occurred in 1991 with Sony’s commercialization of lithium-ion batteries, which achieved energy densities up to 275 Wh/kg by 2020. These batteries revolutionized portable electronics, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems due to their high energy density, long cycle life, and relative lightness.

Looking ahead, solid-state batteries using non-flammable solid lithium conductors are on the horizon. These promise even higher energy densities, exceeding 600 Wh/kg, and enhanced safety. While still under development, solid-state technology aims to address many limitations of current lithium-ion batteries, potentially transforming energy storage for a wide range of applications.

Stay up-to-date on engineering, tech, space, and science news with The Blueprint.

By clicking sign up, you confirm that you accept this site's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Kaif Shaikh Kaif Shaikh is a journalist and writer passionate about turning complex information into clear, impactful stories. His writing covers technology, sustainability, geopolitics, and occasionally fiction. In the digital media space, he has worked with leaders from industries as diverse as immunology, AI, SaaS, manufacturing, and even furniture. Apart from the long list of things he does outside work, he likes to read, breathe, and practice gratitude.

16 hours ago

17 hours ago

20 hours ago

a day ago