The Burkean Chain The Burkean Chain

The Burkean Chain

Episodes

Each episode starts with something simple and ends somewhere you'd never expect. Pick a chain and follow the links.

Episode 1 — from a sundial to a supercomputer

Episode 1

Did a Sundial Spark the Supercomputers Behind Your Tech?

How a stick in the sand in ancient Egypt started a chain of precision that ends in the supercomputers powering your phone.
Episode 2 — from a bread oven to social media

Episode 2

Did a Bread Oven Spark Your Feed?

Medieval village ovens were the original social network. Trace the chain of human connection from hearths to hashtags.
Episode 3 — from a compass to GPS

Episode 3

Did a Compass Point the Way to GPS?

From a medieval needle pointing north to satellites tracking your every move. The navigation chain from the unknown seas to your phone.
Episode 4 — from a wheel to a car

Episode 4

Did a Wheel Roll the Road to Your Car?

From a Sumerian cart wheel in 3500 BCE to the car in your driveway. The transportation chain from spokes to speed.