Crystal Clarity: The Enigmatic Nimrud Lens and its Optical Mysteries In the annals of human history, remarkable archaeological discoveries often shed light on ancient civilizations and their technological prowess. The Nimrud Lens, a 2,700-year-old artifact, stands as a fascinating testament to the ingenuity of the ancient Assyrians. This small, yet significant, object not only reveals their advanced knowledge of optics but also raises intriguing questions about the scientific achievements and cultural sophistication of this ancient civilization. Above photo, Nimrud lens. Photo: The British Museum Unveiling the Nimrud Lens: Discovered in the ancient city of Nimrud (modern-day Iraq) in the mid-19th century, the Nimrud Lens is a disc-shaped object measuring less than three inches in diameter. Crafted from rock crystal, a translucent form of quartz, it possesses a convex shape on one side and a concave shape on the other. Though initially misinterpreted as a decorative item or ...
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