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One of the very first known forms of a mechanical conveyance comes from the noted inventor Lu Ban of China, who, around 480 BC, created a walking wooden horse; This was a type of carriage for bringing supplies to an army during wartime. It probably required the input of a human operator so it wasn’t self-propelled, but it heralded a new way for humans to use machines to move across the surface of the earth, something we’re still rather obsessed with. -
Polybius introduces the giant mechanical snail as an example of how critical Demochares was of Demetrius. The suggestion is that Demetrius, the Macedonian puppet-ruler, was openly mocking the citizens of Athens for their cowardice, their slowness and stupidity in giving up their democracy and capitulating to Macedonia. -
A wind chariot capable of carrying thirty passengers and covering hundreds of li in a single day was mentioned by Emperor Yuan of Liang in the Book of the Golden Hall Master (《金楼子》), which was written during the Southern and Northern dynasties (420-589). -
A number of Italians documented wind-powered vehicle concepts. In 1335, Guido da Vigevano became the first. It was a windmill-style drive to wheels using gears. -
Giovanni Fontana built the first land vehicle propelled by human power in 1418. Fontana constructed a four-wheeled vehicle with gears connecting the rope. -
Francesco di Giorgio Martini designed a car that was powered by four capstans, one for each wheel. It also featured a steering wheel. Di Giorgio Martini referred to his creation as an "automobile," likely making this the earliest known use of the term for something resembling a modern car.