The ancient Babylonian batteries have confused, and mystified archeologists for decades...those who don't outright reject their authenticity, that is.

For one thing, they don't appear to have served any useful purpose, as there have been no discoveries of ancient Babylonian motors, or ancient Babylonian wiring, or tablets full of ancient Babylonian building codes (other than the ones declairing that any house broken into have the body of the burgler sealed into the breach).

But I know what they were used for.

Don't tell anyone, but they were used to fuel the Stargate.

Thank you, thank you, ladies and gentlemen.  Yes, you may tell Dr. Jackson that I will gladly accept a position on his research team.  Late nights are not a problem.