Ancient Times: Sumerian Civilization

Development in Engineering and Architecture

• Advances in engineering led to the creation of architecture, becoming a symbol of technological progress and national identity.

Sumerian Civilization

• Located at the southern tip of ancient Mesopotamia, known for cooperation and ambition in science and technology.

Cuneiform

• First writing system developed by Sumerians, using word pictures and triangular symbols on clay, allowing record-keeping of historical and everyday events.

Uruk City

• Recognized as the world's first true city, constructed without building stones using sun-dried bricks and protective walls.

Great Ziggurat of Ur

• Architectural marvel built with sun-baked bricks, serving as a temple and reflecting Sumerian skills despite material challenges.

Irrigation and Dikes

• Developed to enhance food production, Sumerians created irrigation canals and dikes to manage water supply and control flooding.

Sailboat

• Essential for transportation before the invention of the wheel; enabled the Sumerians to transport goods across waterways.

Wheel

• Invented later in Sumerian history, initially used for farming, it revolutionized agriculture and processing efficiency.

Plow

• Introduced to expedite soil cultivation, marking a shift from gathering to agriculture.

Babylonian Civilization

• Flourished near Tigris and Euphrates rivers, recognized for exceptional engineering and architecture.

Hanging Gardens of Babylon

• Legendary gardens attributed to King Nebuchadnezzar II, renowned yet unproven in historical existence and location.

Egyptian Civilization

• Located in North Africa, noted for remarkable engineering accomplishments, especially under the pharaohs' rule.

Paper or Papyrus

• Innovative development in writing materials that replaced clay tablets, facilitating easier record-keeping.

Ink

• Invented alongside papyrus, combining soot with chemicals for color durability, enabling effective documentation.

Hieroglyphics

• Egyptian writing system using symbols, influenced by earlier Mesopotamian scripts, believed to be divinely inspired.

Cosmetics

• Used in ancient Egypt for health benefits and as protection against evil, while enhancing beauty associated with holiness.

Wig

• Worn for health and cleanliness, protecting shaved heads from sun exposure and lice, more practical than for aesthetic reasons.

Greek Civilization

• Renowned for philosophical and mathematical contributions, with significant impacts on science and technology.

Alarm Clock

• Early version created by Greeks for signaling the start and end of activities.

Water Mill

• Facilitated grain milling, crucial for mass food production and agricultural efficiency.

Roman Civilization

• Valued for political and social structure, influencing legal systems and governance worldwide.

Newspaper

• Early forms, called gazettes, communicated government announcements, originally engraved on durable surfaces before the use of paper.

Bound Books or Codex

• Revolutionized record-keeping with paper, making documentation lighter and more accurate.

Roman Architecture

• Evolution of Greek architectural styles, incorporating new technologies into building designs.

Roman Numerals

• Developed for high-calculation needs driven by increased trade and communication demands.

Chinese Civilization

• The oldest civilization in Asia, recognized for silk production and trade fostering global exchanges.

Silk

• Key product of trade that opened Chinese culture to the western world and enabled economic interactions.

Tea Production

• Originated from practices of Chinese emperors, leading to tea as a popular beverage.

Great Wall of China

• The largest man-made structure designed for defense, historically considered visible from outer space.