The Parthian battery

In 1791/92, Italian scientist Luigi Galvani made a pivotal discovery regarding current electricity, distinguishing it from static electricity through an accidental observation. His findings significantly influenced Alessandro Volta, who subsequently invented the first electric battery, known as the “Voltaic pile.” This battery was groundbreaking as it provided a constant source of current electricity, merging principles from chemistry and physics. Volta's invention marked a major scientific milestone, enabling the generation of sustained electric currents for the first time. The impact of their discoveries in the 18th century laid the foundation for the modern age of electric power, fundamentally transforming civilization. For many years, historical texts credited Volta with the invention of the electric battery in 1800. However, a jar discovered near Baghdad in 1936 raised questions about this narrative, suggesting that Volta may have reinvented an earlier concept. Wilhelm König, who described the jar in 1938, proposed it could be an early form of a galvanic element. Since then, scientists worldwide have conducted extensive experiments to validate or challenge König’s theory. The book explores König's discovery and examines the arguments and evidence presented by both supporters and critics of his idea.