Museum of Ancient Inventions: Forceps
Smith College

These forceps, basically a type of surgical pincers, are based on a set that were so well-crafted they have been little improved upon in nearly two thousand years.

Museum of Ancient Inventions: Steam Engine
Smith College

Heron, the great inventor of Alexandria, described in detail what is thought to be the first working steam engine.

Museum of Ancient Inventions: Self-Moving Stand
Smith College

Heron’s self-moving stand indicates not only his interest in the theater, but also his special fascination with automata.

Museum of Ancient Inventions: Frame Harp
Smith College

The frame harp of the fourth and fifth centuries had an arched sound box and a post for support on the open ends and was played resting on the left knee while the player was seated.

Museum of Ancient Inventions: Siege Ladder
Smith College

The articulated movable siege ladder, usually referred to simply as the siege ladder, is one of a class of weapons used in offensive siege warfare.

Museum of Ancient Inventions: Blown Glass
Smith College

Vases and perfume bottles are some of the earliest forms of glass found by historians.

Museum of Ancient Inventions: Abacus
Smith College

An abacus is an ancient tool used for counting, consisting of a framed set with rods on which balls or beads are moved.

Museum of Ancient Inventions: Stained Glass
Smith College

Glass making originated in the Near East around 2000 BCE in the form of beads, seals and inlays.

Museum of Ancient Inventions: Keel Breaker
Smith College

The keel breaker was designed to rest underwater in shallow lagoons and marshes, especially around the ports of Talamone and Orbetello. It was intended for protection against pirates.

Museum of Ancient Inventions: Trebuchet
Smith College

This war machine was invented during the Middle Ages (around 1400 AD) in order to destroy the great walls of the enemy palaces.

Museum of Ancient Inventions: Bodhran Drum
Smith College

The word bodhran in Irish for deaf. It is a folk instrument that was originally beaten with one hand, but eventually a cipin, a small beater, was used to play the bodhran.

Museum of Ancient Inventions: Earthen Oven (Mumu)
Smith College

This is a recreation of a mumu, an earthen oven from the highlands of Papua New Guinea.