Spain isn't just sunshine and wine.
It's a country of innovation.
Here are 15 inventions made in Spain that changed our lives forever:
(a 🧵)
1. Classical Guitar
Classical guitars derive from the Vihuela and Gittern Spanish instruments.
However, the modern classical guitar was invented by Spanish luthier, Antonio Torres Jurado in the 19th Century.
2. Cigarette
Although people have been smoking tobacco since 5000 BC, Sevillan beggars invented the first cigarettes.
They would find discarded cigar butts, shred them, and roll the remains in scraps of paper.
3. Spacesuit
The first full-pressured space suit was designed and made by Emilio Herrera Linares in 1935.
The Russians used a model of Herrera's suit during their initial space programs, followed by the United States.
4. Mop
Invented by Spanish engineer, Manuel Jalón Corominas in 1956.
Until then, people got on their knees to clean the floor.
5. Submarine
Invented in 1888 by Spanish engineer and naval officer, Isaac Peral.
The first fully operative military submarine.
6. Lollipop
Invented by Enric Bernat in 1957 to design a sweet that didn't get kids' hands dirty.
This would lead to the founding of the famous Spanish lollipop brand, Chupa Chups.
7. Foosball
First patented by Spaniard, Alejandro Finisterre in 1937.
He credits his friend, Francisco Javier Altuna with the original idea.
8. Hot Chocolate
Although the Mayans are credited with the invention of hot chocolate, their version was known to be spicy and bitter.
Spanish conquistadors adapted the idea into the sweet version we love today.
9. Mayonnaisse
Invented by French chef of the Duke de Richelieu in 1756.
While the Duke was defeating the British at Port Mahon on the Spanish Island of Menorca, his chef was preparing a victory feast that included the now-famous sauce.
10. Digital Calculator
Spanish engineer and computer scientist, Leonardo Torres Quevedo's machines are considered to be the original digital calculators.
First created in 1914.
11. Cable Car
Also invented by Leonardo Torres Quevado, the inventor of the digital calculator.
The first patent came in 1887, while the first cable car used for public transportation came in 1907 on San Sebastián's Monte Ulía.
12. Disposable Syringe
Invented by the same man who invented the mop, Manuel Jalón Corominas in 1978.
13. Gyroplane (Autogyro)
Invented by Spanish civil engineer and pilot, Juan de la Cierva in 1920.
The invention was the direct precursor to the Helicopter.
14. Sherry
First mentioned in the 1st Century B.C. by Greek geographer, Strabo.
He claimed that the first vines were brought to Spain's Jerez Region by the Phoenicians in 1100 B.C.
15. Modern Rules of Chess
Although Chess originated in India, the modern rules come from Spain.
Either during the Islamic period or after the Christian reconquest of Toledo.
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