[SunkenCiv]

Dueling YouTubers!

These weren't just clever ideas—they changed history and still inspire modern engineers, builders, and makers everywhere. Whether you're into history, engineering, or just love a good "how did they do that?" story, you'll see why some medieval inventions are still unbeatable.

5 Medieval Inventions So Advanced We Still Can't Beat Them | 10:18
History Questers | 4.77K subscribers | 28,100 views | August 5, 2025

⚙️ The Water Mill – harnessing river power for entire villages
🏰 Gothic Cathedrals – sky-high architecture that still stuns the world
🕰️ Mechanical Clocks – precision timekeeping that outlasts generations
🌌 The Astrolabe – the original "GPS" for sailors and scholars
💥 The Trebuchet – a siege engine with unbeatable power

[BEJ]

Plus, the synthesis of Christianity and philosophy.

[ArtDodger]

I asked Leroy what was the world’s greatest invention. He said it was the thermos bottle.
‘In da summer, it keeps my cold drinks cold, n in da winter, it keeps my hot drinks hot’.
I said, ‘Yes, that is what is supposed to do. Keep cold things cold and hot things hot.’
And he said, ‘Yeah, but how doos it know? How doos it know?’

[bitt]

p

[week 71]

There was a book written in the 90’s called ‘A World Lit Only by Fire’ that is a fascinating read about the Middle Ages. Many intriguing things from people considered primitive by today’s standards.

[Hot Tabasco]

Everything was so primitive back then, I can’t help but wonder if maybe ancient aliens gave them the ideas and the knowledge to build them.

[mairdie]

Another wonderful thread and comments.

[T.B. Yoits]

11. Memes

[redinIllinois]

.

[Billthedrill]

Good stuff, Civ! I might quibble about the use of the word “medieval” but then I’m the guy who complains when Renaissance Faires aren’t actually about the Renaissance. If it doesn’t have a Banquet Of Chestnuts, it’s just not the real thing.

[tumblindice]

In 16th-century Italy, Gabriele Falloppio authored the earliest uncontested description of condom use.

[Albion Wilde]

BUMP

for later reading of the SunkenCiv magazine!

[minnesota_bound]

The list does not include the Phased Plasma rifle in the 40 watt range. It was forgotten during the Dark Ages...

[rxh4n1]

I’d say the horse collar had greater effects than the trebuchet.