Defining Science and Technology in Early Civilizations

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What was the primary purpose of the Great Ziggurat of Ur?

A residence for the king

A temple for worship (correct)

To store agricultural goods

A military fortress

Which agricultural products were primarily cultivated by the Sumerians?

Soybeans and oats

Potatoes and carrots

Rice and corn

Wheat and barley (correct)

What was the primary function of the levees in Sumerian irrigation?

To store excess rainfall

To support building structures

To create boundaries between farms

To control flooding and direct water to fields (correct)

What system did Sumerians develop related to arithmetic?

The sexagesimal system based on 60 Signup and view all the answers

What materials were the earliest sailboats made from?

Reeds and hides Signup and view all the answers

For what initial purpose were the first wheels invented?

Agricultural work Signup and view all the answers

What did Sumerians believe was the cause of diseases?

Punishment from the gods Signup and view all the answers

Which civilization emerged near the Tigris and Euphrates rivers after the Sumerians?

Babylonian Civilization Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between science and technology?

Science focuses on the theoretical understanding of nature, while technology applies this knowledge to solve problems. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Sumerian civilization?

They established major cities and developed systems in governance and agriculture. Signup and view all the answers

Where did the Sumerian civilization primarily develop?

In Mesopotamia, specifically between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Signup and view all the answers

Which development was NOT attributed to the Sumerians?

Invention of bronze tools and weapons. Signup and view all the answers

What material was primarily used in the construction of buildings in the city of Uruk?

Mud and clay with added reeds. Signup and view all the answers

How did nomads adapt their lifestyle according to the content?

They followed animal herds and migrated based on seasonal changes. Signup and view all the answers

Which geographical feature is associated with the Sumerian civilization?

The fertile crescent between two major rivers. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is a consequence of the co-independence of science and technology?

Advancements in science directly lead to improvements in human living conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Defining Science and Technology

Science is the systematic study of the natural world through observation, experimentation, and analysis. It seeks to understand and explain phenomena.
Technology is the application of scientific knowledge to create tools, processes, and systems that solve problems and improve human lives.
Science and technology are intertwined, with advancements in one often driving progress in the other.

Early Civilization and the Impact of Science and Technology

Stone Age: Early humans used stone tools for survival (approximately 2.5 million years ago).
Nomands: Early humans lived in small, mobile groups called "tribes" of hunter-gatherers, following available food sources.

The Sumerian Civilization (4500 BCE - 2004 BCE)

Mesopotamia: The "land between the rivers," referring to the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. It was also called the "fertile crescent" due to its rich agricultural resources.
The Sumerians were the first to establish a civilization in Mesopotamia, developing advancements in agriculture, language, governance, and architecture.
Cities: The Sumerians built cities along the rivers of southern Mesopotamia, including Eridu, Uruk, Ur, Larsa, Isin, Adab, Kullah, Lagash, Nippur, and Kish.
City of Uruk (First True City): Built with mud bricks, demonstrating early urban planning.
Ziggurats: Temples built in the center of cities, serving as both religious centers and residences for the ruling king. The "Great Ziggurat of Ur" (Mountain of God) was dedicated to Nanna, the moon god.
Agriculture: The Sumerians cultivated wheat, barley, grapes, onions, and raised sheep, goats, and cows.
Irrigation System (Levees): Complex canal systems were used to bring water to farmland, prevent flooding, and control water flow.
Cuneiform Writing: The first writing system, based on pictures and triangular symbols pressed into clay tablets using reed styluses. It was used for record keeping, trade, storytelling, and personal communication.
Sumerian Number System (Sexagesimal): A base-60 system, still used today in time measurement (60 minutes in an hour, 60 seconds in a minute).
Sailboats: Used for transportation, hauling goods, and trade.
Wheel: First used for agricultural purposes such as grinding grain, later adapting for transportation.
Plow: Improved efficiency in farming, allowing for larger yields and less labor.
Medicine: Sumerians believed disease resulted from divine punishment, demonic possession, or evil spirits.
Exorcists: Used charms and spells to drive away spirits thought to be responsible for illness.
The Babylonian Civilization (2004 BCE): Emerging alongside the Sumerians, they dominated the region for over 2,000 years.
Great Builders, Engineers, and Architects: Known for their impressive structures and technical innovations.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of science and technology and their significance throughout early human history. This quiz delves into key advancements from the Stone Age to the Sumerian civilization, highlighting how these developments shaped life. Understand the interconnectedness of scientific discoveries and technological applications in ancient times.