A Teenager Built Archimedes’ Mythical Death Ray—and It May Actually Work The young scientist’s twist on a legendary ancient weapon might just re-write history.

Archimedes was one of the greatest inventors of the classical world, and some of his most important discoveries are still in use today.

Scientists have speculated about how Archimedes’ death ray purportedly harnessed sunlight to burn ships. Now, a teen may have evidence the device was plausible.