Inventors
All of these inventions came from the spread of Islam
The Wright Brothers built this plane—and changed the world
Together in Peace
Here’s the history of basketball—from peach baskets to global phenomenon
Hedy Lamarr, the Hollywood star who helped invent Wi-Fi
Who invented s’mores? Forget the myths—this is the real history
Meet the inventor of the Bloodmobile
Your daily life is probably shaped by these 12 people
This ancient society helped build the modern world.
Antifreeze in ice cream? The odd ingredients of everyday items
What's inside Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks?
Thomas Edison didn’t invent the light bulb—but here’s what he did do
Medieval robots? They were just one of this Muslim inventor's creations
Legal
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Your US State Privacy Rights
Children's Online Privacy Policy
Interest-Based Ads
About Nielsen Measurement
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
Our Sites
Nat Geo Home
Attend a Live Event
Book a Trip
Buy Maps
Inspire Your Kids
Shop Nat Geo
Visit the D.C. Museum
Watch TV
Learn About Our Impact
Support Our Mission
Masthead
Press Room
Advertise With Us
Join Us
Subscribe
Customer Service
Renew Subscription
Manage Your Subscription
Work at Nat Geo
Sign Up for Our Newsletters
Contribute to Protect the Planet
Follow us
National Geographic Instagram
National Geographic Facebook
National Geographic Twitter
National Geographic Youtube
National Geographic Linkedin
National Geographic Tiktok
National Geographic Reddit
United States (Change)
© 1996–2015 National Geographic Society
© 2015–2026 National Geographic Partners, LLC