From the first Fatal Five issue -
"Vengar was the site of the long-dead Ekron civilisation, whose astounding scientific secrets were lost ...until..."
until Sarya used an ancient map to find the location of The Crypt of the Eye.
So, ancient civilisation with advanced science. But I always got the feeling it was an ancient map just of Vengar, rather than a galactic map of how to get to the planet and then the cave. Isn't Sarya from the planet?
Despite being described as a mystical artefact, it's first mentioned as a scientific artefact.
Here's the explanation of why Sarya found herself about to be burned at a stake with the eye unable to help.
![[Linked Image]](http://i42.tinypic.com/2s8mnmx.png)
So the eye has a limitation, and Sarya has to use a kryptonite rock to subdue Superman. But only an issue later the same eye is
creating krytponite bands to trap Superman.
![[Linked Image]](http://i40.tinypic.com/2zjc4l1.png)
So much for being affected by Kryptonite, and the start of it being a device that could handily counter Superboy.