Ancient Science Fiction

[uair01]

Lunar telescopes and interstellar warfare may sound like latest sci-fi blockbuster. But they're also found inside the pages of a Greek story written by Lucian of Samosata in 2nd century AD.

This week, Quentin Cooper talks to Dr Karen Ní Mheallaigh from Liverpool University about the surprising links between early Greek literature and modern science fiction.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/science/thematerialworld.shtml

 

[Melf]

theres also Ramayana and Mahabharata.

which could be thougth of as ancient sci-fi stories?

 

[Timble2]

The story of the Argonauts has certain elements that could be considered SF, e.g. Talos the bronze automaton, the talking ship, etc.

There's a case for considering this ancient SF.

 

[rynner2]

A.C.Clarke

Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.

(1962)

Or vice-versa, it seems!

 

[hokum6]

Don't forget the Bible. Sci-fi, fantasy, horror - there's something for everyone!

 

[Melf]

and theres "the journey to the west/monkey" aswell

with gods, demons, immortality, cryptozoology (dragons)

 

[Ritasign]

theres also Ramayana and Mahabharata.

which could be thougth of as ancient sci-fi stories?

Perhaps they were not all fiction. The Vimanas were said to run on fecundated mercury. That's electrified mercury. When mercury is electrified it becomes plasma. Vimanas also had weapons that supposedly could shoot out something that could anhilate an elephant. It sounds like a plasma ball to me. Ball lightning could make quite a weapon.

 

[Kondoru]

I certainly believe these indian stories should be investigated further.

They `were` myths when first translated...but this was back in the 18th century...