Technology Through the Ages

Every civilization throughout history needed one thing to trade, build, and farm: math. Explore the many unique computing systems created by ancient civilizations and how they developed into the numbers and equations we use today.

Since the first human civilizations appeared 10,000 years ago, people have fought over land and resources. Over time, these conflicts led to the development of many technologies that would improve human life or end it. Ancient Persians bred larger, stronger horses to ride on in war and help pull carts. In China, ancient warriors developed martial arts and engineers built one of the biggest military building projects in history, the Great Wall. Ancient Americans created improved spear throwers used by hunters and warriors. The ancient Romans and Greeks built speedy ships based off the ships of the ancient Phoenician navy. From the first spear throwers to the dreaded Claws of Archimedes, discover the ancient technologies that changed the course of human history.

Ancient civilizations developed advanced medical techniques and devices that helped to improve and extend people's lives. Uncover the innovation and ingenuity of ancient medical technology and learn how it laid the groundwork for modern medicine.

After the last ice age, humans began to settle down and grow their own food. Learn how advances in ancient agricultural practices have aided our modern food system.

Ancient societies built massive monuments, many of which still stand. How did ancient engineers and builders raise up the Great Wall of China or the Great Pyramids of Egypt? They often needed new materials and building techniques, both of which required studying construction technology. Around 10,000 years ago, humans began to settle in permanent cities. They needed new technologies to raise bigger houses and monuments. Many of the discoveries made by ancient engineers are still used today. From building materials such as concrete, bricks, and glass to construction machines such as ramps, archways, and sloped camber roadways, many of the buildings we walk in everyday use designs first invented in the ancient world. Learn about the ancient construction methods that laid the foundation for modern monuments, plumbing, and skyscrapers.

Reading texts or direct messages, communicating through speech or sign language, and viewing artwork are all among the many ways people share news, ideas, and feelings with one another. Communication and its technologies are what allow us to do that. As ancient civilizations formed, people developed spoken and written languages and communication tools. They designed and improved alphabets and writing systems to record information, created paper from plants or animal skins, and invented tools such as block printing and the printing press to help copy books and other long texts faster. Whether coming up with new technologies or innovating existing ones, ancient peoples were always finding ways to better communicate with one another. From finger painting to postal systems, find out how early societies created and innovated the technologies that led to modern communication tools.

The ancient world saw many empires rise and fall. But how did massive empires such as Babylon or Rome move information and resources across continents? They relied on one of the oldest technologies in human history: transportation. Ever since humans first began migrating within and outside of Africa, they have needed transportation technology to help move themselves and their possessions. Beginning with shoes to support feet over rough ground and boats to traverse water, humans quickly created a wide range of inventions to help them move faster and carry more over long distances. From prehistoric hunting paths to the widespread highways of Rome, learn about the ancient transportation methods that shaped human history and paved the way for planes, trains, and superhighways.

Ancient civilizations accomplished great works of engineering without electricity. From the Great Wall of China to Machu Picchu, discover the machines ancient civilizations used to build and how they influenced modern machines.