The BEST episodes of Ancient Discoveries season 1

Every episode of Ancient Discoveries season 1, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Ancient Discoveries season 1!

The remarkable story of Ancient inventions.

Last Updated: 2/18/2024Network: HistoryStatus: Ended
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Medicine - Galen, Doctor to the Gladiators
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9.75
36 votes

#1 - Medicine - Galen, Doctor to the Gladiators

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 12/21/2003

"Medicine" is mostly devoted to Galen, a Greek physician in the Roman Empire who pioneered numerous medical techniques, honing his craft on wounded gladiators and soldiers on the battlefield. The unique discovery in this episode is a human skull that implies an effort to perform a rudimentary type of brain surgery.

Computing - Ancient Computer?
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9.63
72 votes

#2 - Computing - Ancient Computer?

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 12/21/2003

"Computing" covers the advancement of time-keeping techniques, from the classic sundial to Ctesibius's use of constant water flow and primitive gear mechanisms, leading up to what is known as the Antikythera mechanism. An isolated artifact discovered in the wreckage of an ancient cargo vessel, the mechanism's origin and use are largely a mystery, but its elaborate system of gears suggest an advanced early device for calculating the positions of the heavenly bodies.

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Robotics - Heron of Alexandria
star
7.50
8 votes

#3 - Robotics - Heron of Alexandria

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 12/21/2003

Robotics" is all about the great Heron of Alexandria, a clever machinist who used principles of air compression, wind power, and basic mechanics to swindle religious worshipers and entertain the masses at the theater. He also essentially invented the steam engine!