Inventions and Achievements of Early Civilisations
Early civilisations contributed significantly to human progress through various inventions and achievements that laid the foundation for future development.
Empire and Colonialism
- Mesopotamia was known for the establishment of city-states, such as Uruk and Babylon, which created early forms of governance and law.
- The Persian Empire (circa 550-330 BCE) facilitated trade across three continents, contributing to the concept of colonial administration.
Revolutions and Transformations
- The Agricultural Revolution marked a shift from nomadic lifestyles to settled farming, enabling population growth and urbanisation.
- The Industrial Revolution (18th century) stemmed from earlier advances in technology and farming, altering social structures and economies.
Trade Networks and Economic History
- The Silk Road, established during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE), connected Asia with Europe, facilitating trade in silk, spices, and technology.
- The establishment of currency systems, such as the Lydian coinage (circa 7th century BCE), revolutionised trade practices.
Religion and Belief Systems
- The development of polytheistic religions in Egypt and Mesopotamia led to complex belief systems, art, and architecture, including the pyramids.
- Zoroastrianism, originating in ancient Persia, introduced dualistic concepts of good and evil that influenced later religions.
Technological and Scientific Developments
- The invention of the wheel around 3500 BCE in Mesopotamia revolutionised transportation and trade.
- Early astronomical records from the Babylonians (around 1800 BCE) laid the groundwork for future scientific exploration.
Global Interconnectedness
- Trade networks such as those fostered by the Phoenicians facilitated cultural exchanges across the Mediterranean.
- The diffusion of technologies such as writing (cuneiform and hieroglyphics) connected various cultures and civilisations.
Comparative Civilisations
- Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia both developed writing systems independently, highlighting their unique contributions to record-keeping.
- The Indus Valley Civilisation (circa 3300-1300 BCE) showed advanced urban planning and sanitation systems compared to contemporary civilisations.
Socio-Cultural and Political Reasons
- The establishment of codified laws, like the Code of Hammurabi (circa 1754 BCE), reflected early efforts at governance and societal order.
- Social hierarchies were prominent in early societies, influencing the development of class systems in civilisations like ancient Greece and Rome.
