Edit: Science-Fiction
Lucian of Samosata's satire Vera Historia, or True Stories, written in the 2nd century, describes a voyage to the moon undertaken by a narrator whose ship is caught in a storm and propelled skywards. It has sometimes been described as the earliest work of science fiction, and is undoubtedly a work of considerable imagination that does incorporate some technological elements.
Lucian's hero lives on the moon for some time and notes that its people possess a sort of magical mirror that allows them to see people and hear conversations taking place on earth. He becomes familiar with its numerous indigenous peoples and creatures, including three-headed vultures, fleas the size of elephants, and one group who "essentially grow from penises that are planted in the ground." Another group is described as
not born of women but of men: they marry men and do not even know the word woman at all! Up to the age of twenty-five each is a wife, and thereafter a husband. They carry their children in the calf of the leg instead of the belly. When conception takes place the calf begins to swell. In course of time they cut it open and deliver the child dead, and then they bring it to life by putting it in the wind with its mouth open.
A translation of Lucian's work, by Francis Hickes and illustrated by Aubrey Beardsley, can be seen here.
Asking questions previously asked is O.K. Mentioning previous answers is intended to be a start, not to discourage discussion. Any questions, information, or debate is welcome.
There's a section titled "Science fiction and the future before electricity" on an FAQ page at https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/vfaq . These are the articles:
Asking questions previously asked is O.K. Mentioning previous answers is intended to be a start, not to discourage discussion. Any questions, information, or debate is welcome.
There's a section titled "Science fiction and the future before electricity" on an FAQ page at https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/vfaq . These are the articles: