Episode 27: The Baghdad Battery – Did the Ancients Discover Electricity? episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 22, 2026 · 1H

Episode 27: The Baghdad Battery – Did the Ancients Discover Electricity?

from Unexplained History · host Tom McKenzie

In the sands outside Baghdad, archaeologists uncovered a strange object that may challenge everything we think we know about ancient technology.Known as the Baghdad Battery, this collection of clay jars, copper cylinders, and iron rods dates back nearly 2,000 years—and may have been capable of producing electricity long before the modern age.In this episode of Unexplained History, we trace the discovery of the Baghdad Battery, the scientists who tested its electrical potential, and the fierce debate over its true purpose. Could ancient civilizations have used electricity for electroplating, medicine, or ritual practices? Or is this one of history’s most misunderstood artifacts?We explore the Parthian Empire, experimental reconstructions, skeptical explanations, and fringe theories that suggest lost knowledge may have existed—and vanished—long before modern science.Was the Baghdad Battery a revolutionary ancient invention… or a coincidence shaped by modern imagination?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/unexplained-history--6429156/support.🎧 Unexplained History explores the myths, mysteries, and misunderstood moments that shaped our world. Hosted by Tom Mackenzie and Don Masterson. New episodes every week.Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen — and uncover the stories history tried to forget.More at The Unexplained CompanyHistory, Mystery, True Crime, Conspiracy, Paranormal, CIA, Cold War, Ancient Aliens, Archaeology, Unsolved, Supernatural, Tom McKenzie, Audio Drama, Storytelling, Documentaries.This episode includes AI-generated content.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jan 22, 2026

Embed this episode

Ready to play

Episode 27: The Baghdad Battery – Did the Ancients Discover Electricity?

0:00 1:00:26

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Unexplained History?

This episode is 1 hour and 0 minutes long.

When was this Unexplained History episode published?

This episode was published on January 22, 2026.

Is there a transcript available for this episode?

Yes, a full transcript is available for this episode. You can read the complete transcript on the episode page.

Can I download this Unexplained History episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!