Historical automata, dating back to antiquity and the 18th century, are revealing surprising parallels to modern debates surrounding artificial intelligence. These intricate, self-operating machines sparked questions about authorship and creative capacity long before the advent of computers. The machines’ ability to “create” – whether through writing or drawing – challenged existing notions of human ingenuity. Researchers are now exploring how considering these historical precedents can inform our understanding of AI's potential for genuine creativity. This historical perspective highlights that anxieties about machines replicating human skills are not new. The study suggests that the current discourse on AI authorship echoes past philosophical discussions triggered by these complex mechanical devices. Ultimately, these ancient automata offer valuable insight into humanity’s enduring fascination with – and apprehension about – creating artificial intelligence.