12 Scientists Who Claimed to Rediscover Ancient Tech

These 12 scientists studied ancient civilizations and claimed to rediscover or replicate technologies thought to be lost over time.

  • Sophia Zapanta
  • 3 min read
12 Scientists Who Claimed to Rediscover Ancient Tech
Benjamin Couprie on Wikimedia Commons

Throughout history, some researchers have explored ancient artifacts and sites, claiming to uncover advanced knowledge or tools. These claims often involve construction techniques, metallurgy, or mechanical devices. While some are controversial, each case highlights human curiosity about the sophistication of ancient civilizations.

1. 1. Nikola Tesla

Napoleon Sarony on Wikimedia Commons

Napoleon Sarony on Wikimedia Commons

Tesla experimented with electricity and wireless energy transmission in the early 20th century. Some researchers believe he attempted to harness concepts similar to ancient energy techniques, though evidence is speculative. Tesla claimed he could transmit power without wires over long distances. His ideas inspired later investigations into ancient power sources.

2. 2. Joseph Davidovits

Emerson Emory Papers on Wikimedia Commons

Emerson Emory Papers on Wikimedia Commons

Davidovits is a chemist who studied the Great Pyramid of Giza. He proposed that some pyramid blocks were cast from an early type of concrete rather than carved from stone. His theory challenges traditional construction assumptions. If correct, it demonstrates lost chemical technology from ancient Egypt.

3. 3. William G. Gray

Press Photographer on Wikimedia Commons

Press Photographer on Wikimedia Commons

Gray, an engineer in the 20th century, experimented with recreating ancient Greek fire mechanisms. He claimed to understand the composition and deployment of this incendiary technology. His work suggests that some ancient chemical knowledge may have been advanced for its time.

4. 4. John S. Perring

John Shae Perring on Wikimedia Commons

John Shae Perring on Wikimedia Commons

Perring was a British engineer in the 19th century who conducted detailed surveys of the pyramids. He experimented with mechanical lifting methods to understand how large blocks could have been moved. His studies gave insight into possible ancient construction techniques.

5. 5. Michael Tellinger

Michael Tellinger on Wikimedia Commons

Michael Tellinger on Wikimedia Commons

Tellinger is a South African researcher who studied ancient stone circles in southern Africa. He claims they were part of advanced mining and energy systems. His work suggests that some ancient societies may have harnessed an unknown energy technology.

6. 6. Alexander Thom

Charles Grey on Wikimedia Commons

Charles Grey on Wikimedia Commons

Thom, a British engineer, studied megalithic sites in Europe. He proposed that ancient builders used precise measurement systems and geometry. His theories imply advanced surveying and construction techniques. These ideas challenge assumptions about prehistoric engineering.

7. 7. Hans Belting

Petra Kozlová on Wikimedia Commons

Petra Kozlová on Wikimedia Commons

Belting, a German researcher, examined early hydraulic systems in ancient Rome. He suggested that some water engineering methods were far more precise than modern understanding allowed. Rediscovering these techniques could inform contemporary engineering.

8. 8. David Hatcher Childress

Wikimedia Commons

Wikimedia Commons

Childress has written about ancient artifacts and structures that may reflect lost technology. He investigates stonework and mechanical devices that seem advanced for their time. While controversial, his work encourages study of forgotten engineering knowledge.

9. 9. Mark Lehner

Coulthart on Wikimedia Commons

Coulthart on Wikimedia Commons

Lehner, an Egyptologist, has conducted extensive excavations at Giza. He has recreated some ancient quarrying and building techniques. His experiments help confirm how large stones may have been transported and set. This rediscovery highlights practical ancient engineering solutions.

10. 10. Graham Hancock

[Cpt.Muji] on Wikimedia Commons

[Cpt.Muji] on Wikimedia Commons

Hancock studies ancient civilizations and monuments. He suggests that some societies had advanced astronomical and architectural knowledge. His work raises questions about lost technological achievements in prehistory.

11. 11. Robert Bauval

Filipov Ivo on Wikimedia Commons

Filipov Ivo on Wikimedia Commons

Bauval proposed the “Orion Correlation Theory” for the alignment of the Giza pyramids. He collaborated on studies attempting to reconstruct ancient surveying and alignment methods. His research suggests highly accurate planning in ancient times.

12. 12. Klaus Dona

Klaus Dolle on Wikimedia Commons

Klaus Dolle on Wikimedia Commons

Dona, an Austrian researcher, investigates unusual artifacts and inscriptions. He claims that some objects reflect knowledge of advanced tools or mechanical concepts. His studies encourage examination of ancient engineering skills that might have been forgotten.

Written by: Sophia Zapanta

Sophia is a digital PR writer and editor who specializes in crafting content that boosts brand visibility online. A lifelong storyteller and curious observer of human behavior, she’s written on everything from online dating to tech’s impact on daily life. When she’s not writing, Sophia dives into social media trends, binges on K-dramas, or devours self-help books like The Mountain is You, which inspired her to tackle life’s challenges head-on.

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