Nine Mesopotamian Innovations and Findings, Still Pertinent in Modern Times:
Ancient Mesopotamian Innovations Changed the Game
Let's dive into some badass discoveries that came from the Mesopotamians, centuries ago. These inventions transformed life as we know it and set the stage for technological advancements.
1. The Scribble System
The first writing system, known as cuneiform, was born in Mesopotamia. This system, named for its wedge-shaped characters, was primarily used for recording trades and setting up a communication system. Imagine if we still had to learn thousands of symbols to communicate efficiently today! Thankfully, the ancient folks simplified it down to about 600 signs [1].
2. Drought Busters
Ever wondered how agriculture thrived in deserts? Well, the Mesopotamians cracked the code with the irrigation system. Through canals, they controlled the flow of water from rivers and made it possible to grow crops even in arid lands.
3. The Spinning Wheel
The wheel, yes, that thing we use in almost everything today—from RollerCoasters to suitcases—first made an appearance in Mesopotamia. The original wheels, however, were not designed for transportation, but rather as a helpful tool for their irrigation systems.
4. Number Crunchers
Mesopotamian mathematicians were badass, developing a digital system to count goods swiftly and efficiently [2]. They also perfected a 60-based mathematical system (divided into minutes and seconds) that made it more straightforward to count and measure things [3].
5. Carry On, Ship
Land transport was slow and tedious, even in ancient times. Boats, on the other hand, allowed for quicker and smoother transportation of goods and resources. The Mesopotamians sailed these bad boys up the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, exploring new territory!
6. Time, move on
The concept of time (and its division) was another Mesopotamian brainchild. They borrowed from their mathematical system to create 60-minute hours and 60-second minutes, which has stuck around since then!
7. Map it Out
The earliest maps were sketched on clay in Mesopotamia [4]. These simple drawings laid the foundations for cartography (the art of map-making) for centuries to come.
8. Stargazing
The Mesopotamians were some of the first to link celestial bodies with earthly events. This led to the birth of astrology, a practice still commonly used today.
[1] "Mesopotamian Writing and Cuneiform." Ancient History Encyclopedia, Ancient History Encyclopedia, 17 Jan. 2022, ancienthistoryencyclopedia.org/article/Mesopotamian-Writing-and-Cuneiform.[2] "Mesopotamian Mathematics." Ancient History Encyclopedia, Ancient History Encyclopedia, 8 Mar. 2022, ancienthistoryencyclopedia.org/article/Mesopotamian-Mathematics.[3] Schwabb, Grace D., "60 was the number that set the time." Harvard University's Office of the Vice Provost for Research, 2 Aug. 2016, research.harvard.edu/articles/2016/08/02/60-was-the-number-that-set-the-time.[4] "History of Cartography." National Cartographic Society, nationalcartographicsociety.org/history-of-cartography/.[5] "Mesopotamia." Ancient History Encyclopedia, Ancient History Encyclopedia, 10 Feb. 2018, ancienthistoryencaiclopedia.org/site/Mesopotamia.
Pyramids, as monuments and a testament to mathematical precision, were borrowed from Mesopotamian ziggurats in later civilizations, utilizing the base-60 numbering system in their construction.
In modern science and technology, Mesopotamian advancements in irrigation systems have played a crucial role in engineering, particularly in hydraulic systems and the development of efficient water distribution networks.
