Faust Vrančić (1551 - 1617)
People had always been fascinated with flying, but it was not until the Renaissance that they had the first taste of it. Many think that Leonardo da Vinci invented the parachute. But the revolutionary ‘Homo Volans’ (the flying man) concept was actually thought through by Šibenik-born Faust Vrančić.

In his masterwork Machinae Novae/New Devices (Venice 1615), this genius polymath depicted 56 different machines, devices, and technical concepts. Many were bridges, mills and turbines. Next time you admire San Francisco’s famous Golden Gate Bridge, remember that the suspension bridge was Vrančić’s brainchild.

The parachute he conceived of was the first ever tested. It was Vrančić himself who at the age of 65 jumped from St Mark's Campanile in Venice and confirmed his invention worked. He survived, setting humankind on course to finally conquer the sky.

 Pavao Belas Elementary School, Croatia

Catholic primary school - Croatia