> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://nextbook.technosemiotics.eu/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://nextbook.technosemiotics.eu/technology-and-society/ancient-automata.md).

# Ancient automata

The concept ‘robot’ originates from Czech writer Karel Čapek. 

<figure><img src="/files/wCyQ39trkKbPxLD39E0i" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

However, automata are common through history both in the real world and in stories.&#x20;

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{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFrFi_Pq7vU>" %}

### Mechanical and psychological spectacle

<figure><img src="/files/uO2cSuENREbJWVOIQwDY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp4Y5SWz8ns>" %}

### Temple automatics as power mechanism

<figure><img src="/files/LXPpTy8HbSutLbk8KHt1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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Moving on to medieval Europe, the automata and artifice in stories merge with the concept of *Natura artifex*, inspiring the 17th-century notions of mechanical nature and clockwork-world, which have in turn contributed to our contemporary models of rationality, underlying the conceptualisation of current technologies.

<figure><img src="/files/qli3muQ6J3ZpFplvG4EZ" alt=""><figcaption><p><em>Natura artifex</em> forging babies. Harley MS 4425  f. 140r, ca 1490–1500. <br><a href="http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/FullDisplay.aspx?ref=Harley_MS_4425 
">http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/FullDisplay.aspx?ref=Harley_MS_4425 
</a></p></figcaption></figure>