8 Surprising Things in the World Older Than You Think

You might be amazed to learn that some everyday things have been around for much longer than you'd expect.

Social Media

People in the 16th century had their own version of social media called "books of friends." They used these books to share gossip, jokes, and more with their friends, just like we do today on social media platforms.

Video Game

If you think the oldest video game is Atari or Nintendo, you’re wrong. The first electronic game was actually invented way back in 1948 by a professor named Thomas Goldsmith Jr. Although not well-known, his "Cathode Ray Tube Amusement Device" laid the groundwork for today's video games.

Running Shoe

Believe it or not, the idea of running shoe, or sneakers, dates back to 1860. They looked like dress shoes with spikes on their soles and extra straps.

Plastic Surgery

People in ancient India practiced an early form of plastic surgery around the 6th century BC. They used a flap of cheek skin to reshape a person's nose.

Battery

Batteries are older than we think! A "Battery of Baghdad" from 200 BC was a clay jar with an iron bar and copper cylinder that could produce electricity.

Computers

As far back as 1833, a British mathematician named Charles Babbage had the idea for a "Difference Engine," which was like an early computer. Although it was never fully built, a modern version was made later.

Fast Food and Soft Drinks

Even in ancient Rome, they had fast-food places called "Thermopolium," serving quick meals to the public. Soft drinks began in 1783 with "sparkling water" sold by J. J. Schweppe.

Fingerprint Identification

Most of us thought that fingerprint screening was a modern way to identify someone. But Babylonians in 1900 BC already used this method for identification in legal contracts to prevent fraud. It was an ancient form of what we use today to identify people.