Cheats Gravity Without Electricity 700 Year Old Tech
The Palace That Cheats Gravity Without Electricity: Unveiling the Secrets of Alhambra's Invisible Clock
Cheats Gravity Without Electricity
Gravity Without Electricity heard of a palace that seems to defy the laws of physics, boasting an invisible clock powered by water pressure and a sophisticated water system that operates without electricity? Prepare to be amazed as we delve into the incredible engineering marvel that is the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. This 14th-century fortress holds secrets that will leave you in awe of the ingenuity of its creators.
A Fortress Unbreachable
In the 14th century, the city of Cordoba fell to enemy forces, leaving
only one city unconquered: Granada.
For two
centuries, enemy armies tried to invade Granada, but they were unable to breach
the city's defenses.
The key to
Granada's resilience was the Alhambra Palace, strategically built in a location
that made it nearly impossible for enemies to reach.
The Challenge:
Water at 700 Meters
The Alhambra
Palace was built on a mountain, approximately 700 meters
above the nearest river. This presented a significant challenge: how to supply
water to the palace without electricity or motors?
Simply having
servants carry water would expose them to enemy attacks.
The architects
needed a solution that was both efficient and secure.
An Engineering
Marvel: Water Without Electricity
The architects of
the Alhambra Palace devised an ingenious system to bring water to the palace
and power its many features.
Gravity Defied:
The system allowed water to flow uphill automatically, seemingly defying
gravity.
Advanced
Features: The palace boasted showers, washbasins, running water, automatic
floor heating in the bathrooms, and even a 14th-century
steam room.
Fountains and
Gardens: The palace gardens were adorned with fountains that operated without
electricity.
The Secret: A
Platonically Inclined System. The key to the
Alhambra's water system was a series of interconnected elements
Canal
Construction: A canal was built from the highest point of the Darro River to
the palace.
Overhead Water
Tank: A large pool was constructed on the mountain above the palace to create
water pressure.
Underground Well:
A well was dug 60 meters below the pool, connected to the
river by another canal.
Hydraulic Water
Wheel System: A drum system, powered by animals, lifted water from the well to
the pool.
The Invisible
Clock: Telling Time with Water. One of the most
remarkable features of the Alhambra Palace was its invisible clock, powered by
water pressure.
The Fountain of
Lions: This fountain features 12 lions, each representing
an hour.
Water-Powered
Mechanism: Every hour, water would flow from the mouth of a different lion,
indicating the time.
Ingenious Design:
A ball with small holes regulated the flow of water, ensuring that each lion
released water precisely one hour apart.
Automatic Reset:
At 12 o'clock, the fountain would automatically reset,
emptying the water and preparing for the next cycle.
Beyond Time:
Heating and Steam
The water from
the clock was not wasted. It was channeled through an underground tunnel to a
boiler, where it was heated and used to warm the floors of the royal bathrooms
and steam rooms.
Defying Gravity
Again: The Whirlpool System
Even at the
highest point of the palace, water was made to climb 6
meters using a whirlpool system.
Air Bubbles: The
whirlpool created air bubbles in the water, making it lighter and allowing it
to rise.
A Legacy of
Innovation
The Alhambra
Palace stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of its
creators. They achieved remarkable feats of engineering using simple physics
and natural resources, creating a palace that was both beautiful and
functional.
Built by:
Mohammed bin Yusuf ben Nasr (also known as Al-Ahmar).
Conclusion: A
Timeless Wonder
The Alhambra
Palace is more than just a historical site; it's a living example of human
innovation and creativity. Its invisible clock, gravity-defying water system,
and stunning architecture continue to inspire awe and wonder.
