Chinese and Indus-Hindu Civilizations Overview

Study Notes

Developed public wells with a regular water supply and public and private baths.
Discovered lunar and solar eclipses and proposed the Heliocentric Theory of Gravitation.
The Jantar Mantar, one of six major observatories built by Maharajah, served these purposes:
- Track the movement of the Sun and Moon.
- Determine auspicious dates for events.
- Map out the position of the stars.

Persia is the former name of Iran.
Boasts one of the oldest and richest cultural heritages in the world.
The Qanat, a water management system, was developed for both drinking and agricultural irrigation.
Persians invented the first battery.
Persian rugs hold a significant place in Persian culture.
Nas'taliq is considered the most beautiful Persian calligraphy style.
Domes were a crucial part of Persian architecture.

Made significant contributions to science and technology, including the invention of the astrolabe, water wheel, water irrigation, pendulum, and water clock.
Constructed the Great Mosque of Damascus.
Contributions to mathematics by Muhammad Ibn Musa Al-Khaawarizmi:
- He presented the first systematic solution of linear and quadratic equations.
- Introduced the method of reduction and balancing.
- Considered the “Father of Algebra.”
- His name is the origin of the terms "algorism" and "algorithm."
- Worked on cataloging the latitude and longitude of cities and locations.
Contributions to optics by Hasan Ibn al-Haytham:
- Known as the “Father of Modern Optics.”
- Wrote the "Book of Optics."

The oldest stone tool was discovered from the Australopithecus Afarensis.
Homo Erectus began using fire.
Invented the astrolabic quadrant.
Developed three types of calendar:
- Lunar
- Solar
- Stellar
The Southern African Large Telescope was built in Africa.
Glass and glass beads were manufactured in Africa.
Coins were produced in Africa
Used opium to relieve pain.
Garlic and onions were leveraged for asthma symptoms.
Tetracycline was used to treat infections.
Developed a vaccine against yellow fever.
Ethiopians were the first to discover the energizing effects of the coffee bean plant.
Utilized terrace hillside cultivation to prevent soil erosion.
Wove using raffia palm tree fibers.
The Dufuna Canoe was discovered in Nigeria.
The Great Mosque of Djenné is the largest mud brick or adobe building in the world.
The Great Pyramid is the tallest man-made structure.
Egyptian hieroglyphs were the first writing system developed in Africa.
With the arrival of Islam, the Arabic alphabet was adopted.
Employed low bow strength, counterbalanced with poison-tipped arrows.
Engaged in biological warfare.