Baghdad Battery
- Date of account
- Reported in 1936; objects usually dated c. 1st century BCE–3rd century CE
- Location
- Near Baghdad, Iraq
- Source
- model_recalled_reference
- Record updated
- 2026-10-10
Record summary
The so-called Baghdad Battery refers to ceramic jars containing copper cylinders and iron rods, associated with sites in the region of ancient Mesopotamia and now commonly discussed as possible electrochemical cells. Experiments show that similar constructions can generate a small voltage when filled with acidic liquid, but there is no secure evidence that the ancient objects were designed or used as batteries. Alternative interpretations include scroll containers or ritual vessels. The lead is useful for examining how experimental possibility differs from archaeological function and contextual evidence.
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