Ancient History:
* Ancient China and Egypt: Evidence suggests fish were kept in decorative ponds and containers as early as 2,000 years ago. These were likely large, open containers rather than the enclosed tanks we know today.
* Ancient Rome: Romans are known to have kept fish in pools and containers for both aesthetic and culinary purposes.
The Modern Fish Tank:
* 15th Century: Early "fish bowls" made of glass emerged in Europe. These were primarily small, round containers for keeping goldfish and other small fish.
* 18th Century: Glass-making techniques improved, leading to larger, more complex glass containers that could house a greater variety of fish.
* 19th Century: The invention of the aquarium, with its sealed system and water filtration methods, is often credited to Philip Henry Gosse. He published a book called "Aquarium: An Unveiling of the Wonders of the Deep Sea" in 1853, which popularized home aquariums.
Therefore, it's difficult to pin down a specific "discovery" date. The concept of keeping fish in containers existed for centuries, but the development of the modern, enclosed fish tank with filtration systems evolved gradually over time.