Ancient Mesopotamia Inventions and Technology.

Summary

This video explores the impressive scientific and technological advancements of ancient Mesopotamia. It highlights the Sumerians' invention of writing and the establishment of Hammurabi's code, alongside their contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. Mesopotamians introduced the wheel, developed a base-60 number system, and made strides in geometry and predicting planetary movements. They also utilized advanced irrigation, metallurgy, and textiles. The video further touches on notable achievements like the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Assyrian innovations in glasswork and canals, showcasing their profound impact on civilization.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Sumerians invented writing, leading to recorded laws (Hammurabi's Code) and the first major literature (Epic of Gilgamesh).
• 😀 The wheel, although its exact inventor is unknown, was first discovered in Mesopotamia, likely used for pottery and later for chariots.
• 😀 Mesopotamians used a base 60 number system, influencing time division (60 seconds, 60 minutes) and the 360-degree circle.
• 😀 They developed advanced mathematics, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, quadratic and cubic equations, and fractions.
• 😀 Mesopotamian astronomers used math to track celestial movements and predicted the movements of planets.
• 😀 They created the first calendar, based on 12 lunar months, influencing the Jewish and Greek calendars.
• 😀 Babylonian medicine was advanced, using logic and recorded history for diagnosing and treating illnesses.
• 😀 The Mesopotamians made significant technological advances such as the potter's wheel, irrigation, and the use of bronze and iron tools.
• 😀 The walls of Babylon, once one of the seven ancient wonders, were massive, stretching over 50 miles with towers for defense.
• 😀 The Mesopotamians possibly invented the Archimedes screw to raise water for irrigation and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
• 😀 Assyrians developed glasswork, pottery glazes, and advanced canal systems, including 18 canals for Nineveh's water supply.

Q & A

What was one of the most important advances made by the Mesopotamians?

One of the most important advances made by the Mesopotamians was the invention of writing by the Sumerians.

What was the first major piece of literature in Mesopotamia?

The first major piece of literature in Mesopotamia was the epic tale of Gilgamesh.

What is the oldest wheel discovered, and where was it found?

The oldest wheel discovered was found in Mesopotamia, and it is likely the Sumerians first used it in making pottery around 3500 BC.

What number system did the Mesopotamians use, and what is its significance?

The Mesopotamians used a base-60 number system, which influenced our division of time into 60 seconds per minute and 60 minutes per hour, as well as the division of a circle into 360 degrees.

What mathematical concepts did the Mesopotamians understand?

The Mesopotamians had knowledge of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, quadratic and cubic equations, and fractions.

What was one of the major achievements of Mesopotamian astronomers?

One of the major achievements of Mesopotamian astronomers was their ability to predict the movements of several planets.

How did the Mesopotamians contribute to the development of calendars?

By studying the phases of the moon, the Mesopotamians created the first calendar, which had 12 lunar months and influenced both the Jewish and Greek calendars.

What medical advancements did the Babylonians make?

The Babylonians made advancements in medicine by using logic and recorded medical history to diagnose and treat illnesses with various creams and pills.

What significant engineering feat is associated with the walls of Babylon?

The walls of Babylon were once considered one of the seven ancient wonders of the world, stretching over 50 miles long, with walls around 23 feet wide and 35 feet tall.

What technological discovery is associated with the Assyrians?

The Assyrians developed glasswork as well as glazes for pottery and art to help it last longer.