Read more

Books on ancient genius

Want to go deeper than a one-minute Short? These are real, widely available books on ancient engineering and invention. We link to an Amazon search so you can pick the edition you like.

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy or book through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. We do not invent reviews or ratings, and it never changes what we recommend. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Books

Search on AmazonThe Ancient Engineers by L. Sprague de CampA classic, readable history of building and engineering from Egypt to the Renaissance. Search on AmazonDecoding the Heavens by Jo MarchantThe story of the Antikythera mechanism and the people who worked out what it was. Search on AmazonThe Seventy Wonders of the Ancient World, edited by Chris ScarreIllustrated guide to the great monuments and how they were built. Search on AmazonLost Discoveries by Dick TeresiThe ancient roots of modern science across many cultures.

Hands-on

Search on AmazonAntikythera mechanism model kitsWooden gear kits that show how the ancient calculator worked. Check the age rating before buying for kids.

How we pick

We list well-known books and simple, widely sold product types that fit what we cover. We have not been paid to include anything, we do not publish ratings or reviews we have not done, and prices change, so always check the seller's page. Store and booking pages are run by those companies, not by us.

Newsletter

The Ancient Visionary weekly

One lost invention or ancient wonder a week, explained in plain English, plus first word on new pages, Shorts and collabs.