The Ancient History of Drones Explains Why They Freak Us Out Today

What’s the deal with drones? At first glance, they’re basically glorified remote controlled airplanes with computers and cameras stuck to them: not exactly the kind of thing that you’d expect to quicken the blood or excite the soul of most normal human beings. And yet, ever since the start of the 21st century, drones have collectively fascinated, frightened, and repulsed us.