In 212 B.C. ancient Greek and Roman historians wrote that Archimedes used a burning glass to set Roman ships aflame in the Battle of Syracuse. Over the centuries, many groups have attempted to repeat Archimedes' achievement, but failed. Many believed he couldn't have done it (one of the most recent naysayers being the TV hosts of Mythbusters), but persistent against-the-odds students and teachers at MIT finally proved Archimedes could have torched the ships.
Using this sketch model, the course instructor concluded it would be possible. 95% of the class thought it unfeasible, 5% thought, well maybe....
The rest (as they say) is history: "Open, sustaining flame occurred less than 10 minutes after the sun was in a clear patch of sky!" For more on this, including answers to ponderables such why the boats and not the sails might have been set on fire, check out these Archimedes Death Ray FAQs
References:
Archimedes Death Ray
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