⏰ when

When was the first vending machine used?

HistoryTechnology

Quick Answer

The earliest known vending machine dates back to ancient Egypt, around the 1st century CE. It dispensed holy water when a coin was inserted.

The Full Story

One of the earliest known vending machines was described by Hero of Alexandria in the 1st century CE. It worked in temples and dispensed a measured amount of holy water after a coin was inserted. The design used simple mechanics involving levers and gravity, making it a remarkable ancient automatic device. Modern vending machines appeared much later, but the basic idea is very old.

Key Facts

1.Earliest known example dates to the 1st century CE
2.It dispensed holy water
3.Hero of Alexandria described the device

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Suggested video title for this topic:

"The ancient machine that sold holy water for coins"