What did the first vending machine dispense?

The first vending machine dispensed holy water.

It was described by Hero of Alexandria, a Greek engineer and mathematician working in Roman Egypt during the 1st century AD. The device was intended for use in temples: a person dropped a coin into a slot, and the coin’s weight moved a lever that opened a valve, releasing a measured quantity of water.

The machine helped prevent visitors from taking temple water without making the required offering. Some historical summaries also mention wine in connection with Hero’s liquid-dispensing devices, but the standard answer to this trivia question is holy water. It was not a modern commercial vending machine selling packaged goods; it was an early coin-operated dispenser using basic mechanics and fluid control.

Much later, vending machines became associated with newspapers, postage stamps, drinks, and snacks. In the 19th century, automated commercial machines began appearing in Europe, eventually leading to the familiar refrigerated and electronic machines used today.