M A I NC H R O N O T H I N KL E S S O N SI N T E R A C T I V E A B O U T U S

Aulus Gellius Records Description of Archytas's Flying Pigeon

Date: 360 B.C.
Author: Aulus Gellius, Writer

Dear Journal,
     I noticed a fantastic demonstration near the senate grounds today. It was a flying pigeon. It was not an ordinary flying pigeon, but a mechanical one powered by steam coming out of its bottom. It was attached to a line and when heated, it flew up! The senators were awestruck at this clever toy and wanted to purchase it but the man called Archytas would not sell it. Maybe it will be of some practical use someday.