A curator stumbled over six strange contraptions in the basement of the Baghdad Museum in 1938. The objects, which archaeologists call the Baghdad Batteries, are five-inch-tall ceramic pots each containing a rolled-up copper sheet. There are steel rods inside the copper tubes with bitumen insulation from plugs or stoppers at either end.
The Theoretical Capacity of the Baghdad Batteries
Some scientists believe if they filled the pots with lemon juice, vinegar, or grape juice they would behave like batteries. However, they could not do so, because the pots come from ruins dating from 150 BC to 223 AD. Thus, their actual purpose is unclear because we can only hypothesize about their capacity.
There have been several attempts to build modern replicas of the ancient artifacts. The consensus is the originals could have generated between 0.8 and 2 volts. Although, if there were enough of them in a series, this capacity could have theoretically been higher. But, we don’t know whether the Parthian Empire had the technology to do that.
Possible Purposes for the Ancient Parthian Relics
We think someone probably made the Baghdad Batteries for generating electricity, although the original invention was likely accidental. Research suggests a single ceramic pot-assembly could produce a static discharge, but certainly not enough for a slight electric shock. The people might have regarded this as magic, or evidence of the powers of gods.
This gives reason to suggest the Baghdad Batteries may have played a role in religious ceremonies. We do know that kings became deities when they assumed their thrones in the Parthian Empire. What could have seemed more logical to their subjects, than clay pots producing static discharges when the king drew near? All that might have been required was a skillful priest, gullible people, and a piece of string.
Related
A Short History of the Battery World
How to Wire Batteries in Series
Preview Image: Baghdad Battery Drawing (Top Half)
