11 Things That Are Older Than You Think
You’ll be shocked at how long some of these everyday things have been around.
- Chris Graciano
- 2 min read
We often think of certain items, technologies, or trends as modern inventions. However, many actually have roots stretching back centuries — or even millennia. From vending machines to contact lenses, their surprising history might just change how you see the world. Here are 11 things that have been around way longer than you’d expect.
1. Vending Machines
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Vending machines aren’t just a 20th-century convenience — they date back to ancient Greece. A device designed by Hero of Alexandria dispensed holy water in temples.
2. Sunglasses
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While we associate shades with fashion and UV protection, early versions were used by Chinese judges in the 12th century. Made from smoky quartz, they helped conceal facial expressions.
3. Contact Lenses
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The idea of contact lenses came from Leonardo da Vinci in the 1500s, who imagined altering vision through water. Prototypes didn’t become wearable until the late 1800s.
4. Batteries
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Believe it or not, batteries existed around 2,000 years ago. The “Baghdad Battery,” a clay jar with metal rods, might have been used for electroplating.
5. Brain Surgery
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Cranial surgery, or trepanation, has been practiced for over 7,000 years. Archaeologists have found skulls with holes — and signs of healing.
6. Toilets
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Flush toilets sound modern, but the Indus Valley Civilization had them around 4,000 years ago. These early systems were surprisingly advanced, including drainage and water flow design.
7. Alarm Clocks
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The first alarm clock wasn’t digital or even electric — it came from ancient Greece. Philosopher Plato reportedly had a water clock that signaled the start of lectures.
8. Plastic Surgery
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Reconstructive techniques were used in India as early as 600 BCE. Surgeons performed nose reshaping with skin grafts — long before modern tools existed.
9. Fast Food
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Ancient Rome had “thermopolia” — street-side shops where hot, ready-to-eat food was sold. Workers and travelers grabbed quick meals much like we do today.
10. Toothpaste
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People have cleaned their teeth since 5000 BCE using pastes made from crushed bones, oyster shells, and charcoal. Ancient Egyptians even had recipes for fresher breath.
11. Headphones
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The first headphones were invented in the 1880s for telephone operators — not for music lovers. They weighed over 10 pounds and had a single earpiece.