Science · Technology · 1745–1827
Born: 18 February 1745 · Died: 5 March 1827 · Age at death: 82
Alessandro Volta died aged 82. He was born on 18 February 1745 and died on 5 March 1827.
Italian physicist who invented the voltaic pile, the first electric battery; the volt is named after him
Did you know?The unit of electric potential, the volt, was named after him to recognise his pioneering work.
Alessandro Volta invented the electric battery and changed science for ever. In 1800 he stacked discs of zinc and copper separated by brine-soaked cloth. This voltaic pile produced a steady electric current for the first time. It opened the door to electrochemistry, telegraphs and much of modern technology. Volta had already discovered methane gas. He also argued with Luigi Galvani over whether frogs' legs produced "animal electricity". Napoleon made him a count. The volt, the unit of electric potential, is named after him.
Alessandro Giuseppe Antonio Anastasio Volta (18 February 1745 – 5 March 1827) was an Italian chemist and physicist who was a pioneer of electricity and power, and is credited as the inventor of the electric battery and the discoverer of methane.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Profile
Italian physicist, 1745–1827
Alessandro Volta was born in Como on 18 February 1745.
He discovered methane in 1776.
He taught at the University of Pavia.
He built the voltaic pile in 1800.
Career highlights
Did you know?He demonstrated his battery to Napoleon in Paris in 1801.
Questions people ask
1931–2019
b. 1954
1836–1886
1516–1558
1879–1940
b. 1933Missing someone? Suggest them
1809–1865
1911–2004
1809–1882
1756–1791A newspaper from their birth date
The front page from the day they were born, a classic keepsake.
Shop on AmazonAquarius zodiac gifts
Jewellery, prints and candles for the Aquarius in your life.
Shop on EtsyStar map of February 18
A custom print of the night sky on their birthday.
Shop on EtsyMilestone birthday gifts
Ideas for 18th, 30th, 40th, 50th and beyond.
Shop on AmazonWe may earn a small commission from purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Reviewed by the Who Shares My Birthday editorial team.
Last reviewed: October 2026