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Ancient Egypt -

Above all of the civilizations that existed five thousand years ago, the ancient Egyptians were among the most advanced. New research has found that much of their architecture (including the pyramids) were built with more than just ramps and levers.

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Hydraulics -

A recent study published in the journal PLOS One determined that at least one of Egypt’s pyramids was built with hydraulic lifts: the Pyramid of Djoser, also known as the Step Pyramid.

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Ingenious methods -

The Step Pyramid is the oldest pyramid in Egypt, built around 2680 BCE, and was constructed using a combination of trenches, tunnels, and a dam that channeled water to the construction site. Once there, heavy stones were placed on a floating platform in the water.

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Tunnel vision -

Researchers believe that the vertical shaft located in the center of the Step Pyramid is where hydraulic lifts would have been located. The stones were most likely lifted up from the water and put in place on the pyramid.

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Rainfall -

Although many argue that the area would not have received enough rainfall to fill the tunnels with sufficient water, some researchers are claiming that the Egyptian desert was far wetter back then than it is today.

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Further research -

Although the published study requires further research, the authors are optimistic about their theory. But it does raise a rather interesting question about society as a whole: how advanced was technology five thousand years ago?

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The first humans -

The 3rd millennium BCE was nowhere near the time that the first homo sapiens appeared on the planet. Although the history of human evolution is tumultuous, civilization as we know it only really began when the Stone Age ended.

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Stone Age -

Around five thousand years ago, the Stone Age (which had lasted for roughly 3.4 million years) came to an end. The use of stone tools was used for much of prehistory before metal was discovered.

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Metallurgy -

The Stone Age came to an end because early civilizations began developing metallurgy. The discovery and use of copper (and later bronze) allowed early civilizations to create stronger tools, weapons, and artifacts, which led to many advancements.

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Urban revolution -

In a few well-favored geographical locations around the world, civilizations began experiencing a significant increase in technological innovations at this point. Indeed, it was the beginning of the invention of the city.

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Agriculture -

Agriculture was well established by 3000 BCE, and technologies such as plows and crop rotation techniques were constantly in use. These innovations allowed enough food to grow to support larger populations, and led to the development of cities and complex societies.

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Agriculture in the Americas -

In the Americas, civilizations like the Olmec and early Andean cultures developed advanced agricultural techniques, including terrace farming and irrigation.

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The wheel -

The invention of the wheel around 3500 BCE revolutionized transportation and trade. The wheel was initially used for making pottery, and it enhanced economies and cultures around the world since it was able to move goods and people.

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Early writing systems -

Around the same time, the creation of early writing systems (such as cuneiform in Mesopotamia and hieroglyphics in Egypt) allowed for recordkeeping and the ever-important transmission of knowledge.

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Irrigation and water -

Sophisticated irrigation systems, like those in Mesopotamia and Egypt, allowed civilization to control water from rivers, which was crucial for sustaining agriculture in arid regions and enabling the growth of society.

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Textiles -

Tools used for spinning, weaving, and the dyeing of fabrics have been uncovered in many ancient civilizations of the era. Producing clothing and other textiles was a key factor in a society’s development of trade and commerce.

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Astronomy -

Ancient civilizations had a surprisingly advanced understanding of astronomy. They used observations of the stars and planets to create calendars, predict seasonal changes, and conduct religious ceremonies.

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Religious practices -

In a feat of engineering, many ancient civilizations combined astronomy, architecture, and religion by constructing temples that used precise astronomical alignments (mainly the sun) for religious practices.

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Stonehenge -

The construction of monuments like Stonehenge suggest that a large number of ancient peoples shared a deep connection between technology and celestial events.

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Medicine -

Medical practices in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia were surprisingly advanced for the time. Texts from this period describe surgical procedures, herbal remedies, and an understanding of basic anatomy that laid the groundwork for future advancements.

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Pottery -

Innovations such as the potter's wheel significantly advanced pottery production. Kiln technology also started producing stronger and more durable pottery, which was crucial for storage and daily use.

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Mathematics -

Early civilizations developed basic mathematical concepts for trade, construction, and astronomy. The Sumerians and Egyptians, for example, used systems of counting, geometry, and early algebra that laid the foundation for future mathematical advancements.

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Shipbuilding and navigation -

Five thousand years ago, the technology of shipbuilding was advanced enough for Egyptians and Mesopotamians to navigate rivers and open seas. Interestingly, some of ancient Egypt’s earliest boats were made from papyrus reeds.

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Time -

Even timekeeping was rather advanced five thousand years ago. Sundials are among the oldest devices used to tell time, with some dating as far back as 3500 BCE.

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Calendar systems -

Early civilizations developed incredibly advanced calendar systems to track time and agricultural cycles. The Egyptian calendar, for instance, was based on the lunar and solar cycles, and allowed them to predict the annual flooding of the Nile for agricultural purposes.

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Glassmaking -

Glassmaking technology also emerged around 3000 BCE, with early glass beads and vessels being produced in Mesopotamia, when craftsmen discovered the art of mixing sand, soda, and lime to produce the resource.

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Beads and jewelry -

The production of beads and jewelry was also evidence of advanced technology, since it required specialized shaping, drilling, and polishing of materials like stone, bone, and metal. These items were not only decorative, but also played important roles in trade and social status.

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Sewer systems -

In South Asia, the Harappan civilization of the Indus Valley developed sophisticated sewer systems that were far ahead of their time. These systems included covered drains and public baths that demonstrated an advanced understanding of urban sanitation and engineering.

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Ceramics in China -

In ancient China, the production of high-quality ceramics (including early forms of porcelain) shows advanced technological skills. Not only did these ceramics have a utilitarian purpose, but they were also valued for their incredible beauty.

Sources: (Britannica) (Slate) (Futurism) (PLOS One)

See also: How ancient Egyptians strived for eternal life

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