Scientific Discoveries
Scenarios exploring how different scientific breakthroughs or their timing might have changed history
What If Ancient Rome Developed Modern Sanitation Earlier?
Exploring how the Roman Empire might have evolved if it had developed more advanced sanitation systems, potentially preventing disease epidemics and extending the empire's lifespan.
What If European Chemistry Developed Synthetic Materials Earlier?
Exploring how world history would have unfolded if European chemists had discovered and developed synthetic materials like plastics, synthetic fibers, and advanced pharmaceuticals in the 18th century rather than the 19th and 20th centuries.
What If Eratosthenes' Calculation of Earth's Circumference Led to Earlier Global Exploration?
Exploring how world history might have unfolded if ancient civilizations had used Eratosthenes' accurate measurement of Earth's size to launch transoceanic voyages, potentially creating a globalized world millennia earlier.
What If Greek Atomism Became the Dominant Scientific Theory?
Exploring how science and philosophy might have developed if Democritus and Leucippus's atomic theory had become widely accepted in the ancient world, potentially accelerating scientific understanding by millennia.
What If Hypatia's Mathematical Work Survived?
Exploring how mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy might have developed if Hypatia's complete works had been preserved, potentially advancing scientific understanding by centuries.
What If Benjamin Franklin's Electrical Experiments Led to Earlier Applications?
Exploring how world history would have unfolded if Benjamin Franklin's electrical discoveries had been immediately applied to practical technologies, potentially triggering an earlier electrical revolution.