Baghdad Battery
A 2,000-year-old artifact from Iraq resembling a galvanic cell, raising questions about ancient electrical knowledge.
Documented record
Known Facts
The Baghdad Battery consists of a clay jar, copper cylinder, and iron rod.
It was discovered in Iraq and dates to approximately 200 BCE (Parthian period).
When filled with an acidic solution, it can produce a small electric current.
The artifact is in the collection of the Iraqi National Museum.
Its actual purpose remains debated — it may have been a battery, scroll holder, or something else.
Supporting claims & documentation
Evidence For
Physical Artifact
PHYSICALThe actual Baghdad Battery artifact in museum collection.
SOURCE:Iraqi National Museum
Electrochemical Testing
ANALYSISReplicas have produced small electric currents when filled with acidic solutions.
SOURCE:Various experiments
Counterpoints & criticisms
Evidence Against
Alternative Purpose Theories
ANALYSISThe artifact may have been a scroll holder or storage vessel, not a battery.
SOURCE:Archaeological analysis
Unresolved inquiries
Open Questions
What was the actual purpose of the Baghdad Battery?
Did ancient peoples understand electricity?
Were there other similar devices?
What would this mean for ancient technology?
Chronological record
Timeline
Baghdad Battery created (Parthian period).
Artifact discovered near Baghdad.
Wilhelm König publishes analysis suggesting it was a battery.
Connected dossiers
Related Investigations
References & further reading
Sources
Automatically discovered links
Related Connections
Both involve activities during the 1940s period.
Both reference Mesopotamia.
Both involve activities during the 1930s through 1940s periods.