Tagorda, Justine R.
BSEd English 1
CONTRIBUTIONS OF EACH CIVILIZATION IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. SUMERIAN CIVILIZATION – The Sumerians were the earliest developed civilization, known for
their many firsts and their influence on ancient cultures.
WRITING – The Sumerians developed the first written language, using pictograms,
cuneiform script, and ideograms.
COPPER FABRICATION – The Sumerians were the first to use copper, and they fabricated
it to make arrowheads, razors, harpoons, vessels, chisels, and jugs.
WHEEL – The Sumerians were the first to use circular sections of logs as wheels to carry
heavy objects by joining them together and rolling them.
MATHEMATICS - The Sumerians developed arithmetic and geometry.
IRRIGATION - The Sumerians developed irrigation systems to support agriculture
ASTRONOMY AND ASTROLOGY - The Sumerians were the first astronomers to map the
stars into separate constellations, and they developed astrology and the lunar calendar.
WEAPONS – The Sumerians invented swords, spears, maces, slings, and clubs.
2. BABYLONIAN CIVILIZATION – The Babylonian civilization, with its capital in Babylon, was known
for its splendid city and the rule of Hammurabi, who Introduced laws and reforms.
ASTRONOMY AND ASTROLOGY – Babylonian astronomers made important discoveries
in astronomy, such as the development of the zodiac, the prediction of eclipses, and the
numbering and naming of stars.
MATHEMATICS – The Babylonians developed a sexagesimal (base-60) positional numeral
system, which was used in their mathematical texts. They also made advancements in
mathematical theories, including the determination of the square root of two to seven
places.
AGRICULTURE – The Babylonians developed advanced farming techniques, including the
construction of canals for irrigation and the cultivation of crops such as wheat and
barley.
INVENTIONS – The Babylonians are credited with the invention of the wheel, the
chariot, the sailboat, and the first-known map, which depicted trade routes and
geographical features.
3. ROMAN CIVILIZATION – Roman civilization was influenced by Greek culture and produced great
scholars, poets, and dramatists. They also had a 00:00 well-developed system of laws.
ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE – The Romans constructed an extensive network of
roads, totaling around 50,000 miles, which facilitated efficient travel, trade, and military
movement. They also built bridges, tunnels, and directional signage, setting the
foundation for modern road systems.
AQUEDUCTS AND WATER SUPPLY – Roman engineers developed sophisticated
aqueducts to supply water to cities, including the capital city of Rome, sustaining
millions of people and enabling public hygiene and sanitation.
CONCRETE – Roman concrete, made from lime and volcanic rock, was a durable and
long-lasting building material, used in the construction of colosseums, aqueducts, and
bridges. Its enduring quality can still be observed in ancient structures today.
INVENTIONS – The Romans are credited with various inventions, including medical tools
for the battlefield, the Julian Calendar, and the development of the arch for constructing
buildings and infrastructure.
4. EGYPTIAN CIVILIZATION – Egyptian civilization showcased remarkable architecture, religion, and
government, with contributions such as the use of stone, Impressive pyramids, and worship of
deities in nature.
MATHEMATICS AND GEOMETRY – The Egyptians made significant advances in
mathematics and geometry, which were essential for surveying and land management
due to the annual flooding of the Nile River.
METALLURGY – Around 3000 BC, the Egyptians discovered the process of making bronze
by mixing tin ore with copper ore, leading to the Bronze Age. This resulted in the
production of durable tools, weapons, armor, and decorative items.
WRITING AND PAPER – The ancient Egyptians were among the first to develop writing
and paper, using papyrus for documentation and record-keeping.
ASTRONOMY AND MEDICINE – The Egyptians were pioneers in astronomy, using their
expertise to determine the annual flooding of the Nile and aligning the pyramids
towards the pole star. They also made significant contributions to medicine, including
the practice of mummification and the development of medicinal drugs and surgery.
ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE – The Egyptians developed advanced construction
techniques, including the use of the wheel, ramp, and lever, to build large religious
buildings and structures.
5. INDIAN CIVILIZATION
DECIMAL SYSTEM AND INVENTION OF ZERO – Indians developed the decimal system
and the concept of zero, which laid the foundation for modern mathematics.
ATOMIC THEORY – Kanad, an ancient Indian scientist, speculated the existence of anu or
small indestructible particles, similar to atoms, and stated that anu could have two
states — absolute rest and motion.
ASTRONOMY – Indian astronomers made accurate astronomical predictions using
mathematical knowledge, and some of the most notable astronomers include
Aryabhatta.
MEDICINE – Indians developed Ayurveda, a holistic system of medicine, and made
significant advancements in the field of surgery and pharmacology.
GRAMMAR – Indians developed the grammar rules for the Sanskrit language, which
influenced modern linguistics and the study of language.
YOGA – Yoga, a system of physical and mental exercises, originated in ancient India and
continues to be practiced worldwide for its health benefits and spiritual aspects.
SOPHISTICATED IRRIGATION SYSTEMS – The Indus Valley Civilization developed
sophisticated irrigation and water storage systems, including artificial reservoirs at Girnar
dated to 3000 BCE.
6. CHINESE CIVILIZATION
PAPERMAKING – China invented papermaking around 105 A.C., which greatly influenced
human history and led to the widespread adoption of paper.
PRINTING – The invention of movable type printing during the Tang Dynasty
revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge and literature.
GUNPOWDER – Chinese inventors created gunpowder, which had a profound impact on
military technology and later contributed to the development of fireworks and other
applications.
COMPASS – The Chinese developed the compass, which revolutionized navigation and
had a significant impact on maritime exploration and trade.