Ancient High Tech

The mainstream archaeological narrative is allergic to this kind of investigation that rewrites the history of culture and suggests that previous civilisations have been more technologically sophisticated than we thought. This also has to do with the overall rise and fall of civilisations where their technology may all but disappear. Some of the chapter titles with the corresponding illustrations are indicative: automation, ancient aviation, surgical wonders, optics, weapons of mass destruction, electric power and ancient engineering. Examples include a relief of a bicycle from an ancient temple, Inuit goggles to protect the eyes, and matches from the Babylonian culture. The book is extensively researched and challenges readers to assess the significance of the evidence for themselves and reflect on our continuing destructive tendencies embodied in technology that make us a danger to ourselves.