The Foundations of Modern Technology: Influence of Ancient Civilizations on Modern Technology

Many ancient civilizations were way ahead of their time. They were sharp, smart, and innovative in their thinking. They developed state-of-the-art technology at that time that paved our modern civilization. It’s fascinating how ancient technology influences us today. Egyptians showed their engineering prowess through pyramids and the Romans through aqueducts. All these creations had an everlasting impact on our modern technology. Let’s learn about the influence of ancient civilizations on modern technology.

1. Mesopotamia: Pioneers of Writing and Mathematics

Located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in present-day Iraq, Mesopotamia is often called the “Cradle of Civilization” for its significant contributions to human society and technology.

• Writing Systems: We can say that the most important invention of Mesopotamia was their cuneiform writing system around 3200 BCE. It is one of the earliest writing systems known to humankind. This revolutionary invention helped them with their transactions, laws, and captivating stories. Definitely, this is the reason their advancements in administration and governance boomed and laid the foundation of organized city-states and busy trade networks.
• Mathematics and Astronomy: But that’s not all! Mesopotamian scholars were also pioneers in mathematics and astronomy. They introduced a base-60 number system. The way we measure time today (60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour) is influenced by that system. Also, they helped us with our understanding of geometric concepts. Additionally, their exploration of the stars was equally impressive. They thoroughly framed star catalogs. They also developed a lunar-based calendar, setting the stage for future advancement in mathematics and science.

2. Ancient Egypt: Masters of Engineering and Medicine

Let’s learn about the incredible world of Ancient Egypt and some of its advancements. They were known for their stunning engineering achievements. We must say that structures like the pyramids are really impressive. They were way ahead of their time and we must admit, the architecture and healthcare system we have today are highly influenced by those practices in ancient Egypt.

• Construction Techniques: The Egyptians were master builders. They understood the engineering principles and geometry pretty well. They also knew which materials to use for which structure. Additionally, they aligned these structures with the stars above. It’s mind-blowing that they can do this in that period. It still influences our modern engineering practices.
• Medicine: And what about the ancient Egyptians’ approach to medicine? Considering the period, they were pretty good actually. At that time, they were practicing surgeries and using herbal remedies to treat various diseases. Ebers Papyrus, the medical text of the Egyptians, contained valuable information on anatomy and surgical procedures. It laid the foundation for modern medicine. Their comprehensive approach to health and wellness is still influential today.

3. Indus Valley Civilization: Urban Planning and Trade System

The Indus Valley Civilization is known for its master planning of their cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. They built their cities in such a way that it laid the foundations of modern city planning.

• City Planning: First of all, they built their cities in a grid system that showcases their advanced planning. Also, they had a marvelous drainage system which helped them with their hygiene. They had well-organized streets as well. It progressed their economy and communication. All these show how efficient in city planning the people of that region were. Modern cities have definitely been influenced by the organized city-states of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.
• Standardized Weights and Measures: Another impressive discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization is the introduction of standardized weights and measures. It definitely helped with their economic development. Also, it played an important role in fair trade which is the foundation for the contemporary economic system.

4. Ancient China: Technological Innovations that Changed the World

Ancient China was a place where a lot of innovative inventions were produced. From the invention of gunpowder to the advanced navigation- they played a part in all. All these inventions paved the way for the advanced world we live in now.

• Gunpowder and Printing: The impressive thing that changed warfare completely was the invention of gunpowder. Ancient Chinese inventors effectively altered weaponry and war strategies with the invention of gunpowder. What about creativity? The invention of printing saw that. It made the spread of knowledge and literacy easier. Education and culture flourished there.
• Compass and Papermaking: The magnetic compass changed the game of navigation. Sailors and traders can explore and trade way longer than before.  The papermaking reformed the way the information was kept and shared. It helped develop their education and literacy a lot.

5. Ancient Greece: Philosophical and Scientific Groundwork

Ancient Greece is considered to be the birthplace of Western philosophy and scientific thought. They altered the way of thinking. The groundbreaking ideas and techniques shaped our view of the modern world.

• Scientific Method: No one can deny the influence of Aristotle in philosophy and science. His principles and methods – observation, experimentation, and logical reasoning – were so state-of-the-art that it still the basis of the modern way of thinking and explaining any scientific idea.
• Mathematics: In addition to philosophers, the ancient Greeks had a number of Great Mathematicians. When we talk about mathematics, we must mention Euclidean geometry. The Greek mathematicians’ methods – theory and proof – still dominate our modern education and engineering all over the world.

6. The Roman Empire: Infrastructure and Legal Systems

When we talk about ancient civilizations, we must mention the Roman Empire. It was truly a wonderful time for engineers and politicians. They had built a network of roads throughout their empire and they had established a legal system that still has its mark in our modern world.

• Roads and Aqueducts: For the Romans, two of the main problems at that time were communication and water. They had a vast empire, so they needed faster communication. They built a network of roads so impressive that it improved their communication rapidly. And, to handle the water crisis, they built mesmerizing aqueducts which are a true marvel of engineering.
• Legal system: The Romans had a remarkable governance system. To maintain law and order, they introduced the concept of legal representation and trial by jury.  They also documented their laws such as The Twelve Tables. A lot of our modern legal system is influenced by the Roman codes and ethics.

7. Maya Civilization: Astronomy and Mathematical Innovations

Let’s dive into the Mayan civilization. The Mayans had a great understanding of Astronomy and Mathematics. They developed an accurate calendar system based on their understanding of the stars. Their political, agricultural and religious lives were greatly influenced by that calendar.

• Astronomy: Mayans were a great believer of astronomy. They believed that their lives were highly influenced by the movements of the celestial bodies. Observing the stars, they built an accurate calendar system and developed their religious rituals and agricultural practices around that system.
• Mathematics: When it comes to Mathematics, Mayans were the pioneers to use the concept of zero. They also placed value in their numerical system. These unique inventions had a great impact on the development of our modern day Mathematics.

The Ongoing Influence of Ancient Civilizations on Modern Technology

Not a lot of people know how ancient technology influences us today and that a great number of inventions of today’s world are highly influenced by ancient civilizations. They achieved great things with their innovative ideas that still affect our lives. Mesopotamian writing, Roman aqueducts, and the Chinese invention of printing led to the mark of today’s architecture & technology. Not to mention the Greek philosophy, Indus Valley cities, Mayan astrology, and Egyptian engineering – all played an undeniable role in the development of modern society. Our ancestors were way ahead of their time, and they still inspire us to move forward with our way of thinking.

Tell us in the comments which one of these civilizations impressed you the most. Want to learn about the rich history of Mesopotamian civilization? Dive into our article about The Forgotten World of Mesopotamian Civilization: Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, Assyria.