10 Things Invented Way Earlier Than You’d Expect

4. Early Concepts of Flight: The Ornithopters of Da Vinci

The dream of human flight has captivated minds for centuries, and while the Wright brothers are credited with the first successful powered flight, the foundations were laid much earlier. Leonardo da Vinci, the quintessential Renaissance man, sketched designs for various flying machines in the late 15th century. Among these was the ornithopter, a device intended to fly by mimicking the flapping of bird wings. Da Vinci's detailed drawings and notes reveal a profound understanding of aerodynamics and the principles of flight. Although his designs were never realized in his lifetime, they inspired future generations of inventors and aviators. Da Vinci's work demonstrates the timeless human aspiration to soar through the skies and the relentless pursuit of turning dreams into reality. His ornithopters, though never built, represent an important step in the long journey toward human flight, highlighting the enduring impact of visionary thinking.