Introduction:
The secrets of ancient civilizations have always been intriguing to many of us. For thousands of years, these civilizations have built our world, leaving behind their ephemeral legacies for us to uncover. Archaeology has uncovered many facts about what these ancient civilizations have done and tells us much about their lifestyles, philosophies, and beliefs. In this article, we’ll be exploring the 15 most fascinating facts about ancient civilizations around the world. From their remarkable engineering endeavors to the secrets of dead languages, this collection will surely get your attention.
Fact 1: The Ancient Incas Had a Strangely Accurate Calendar
The Incas, an ancient Andean civilization, developed a stunningly accurate calendar. Without the help of modern technology, their calendar was made up of 365 days, 12 months, and days broken up into decans or units of 10 days. It was nicknamed the Bouquet Calendar because it took the shape of an intricate flower bouquet. In order to create the calendar, astronomers used complex observations of the stars.
Fact 2: The Ancient Egyptians had Advanced Medical Knowledge
Ancient Egypt was one of the most advanced civilizations of antiquity, and their medical knowledge was second to none. Egyptians developed a great understanding of the human body, as well as medical procedures and treatments. From cures for eye and teeth ailments to advanced surgical techniques, modern-day doctors can learn a lot from the ancient art of medical healing practiced by the Egyptians.
Fact 3: Ancient Mesopotamia inwas in the Database
The Ancient Mesopotamians were amongst the earliest civilizations to record their data, and their cuneiform tablets give us a unique insight into their way of life. One particular example is the Code of Hammurabi, which documented Mesopotamian laws in a systematic and organized way. The Code of Hammurabi is celebrated for its use of humanitarian principles, such as humaneness and fairness, which are still relevant today in our legal systems.
Fact 4: Ancient Greeks Enjoyed Cooking Competitions
The Ancient Greeks loved a good party, and one of their favorite pastimes was having cooking competitions. Ancient Greeks would show off their culinary skills by preparing elaborate dishes and then compote against each other in a cook-off. Some of the most common dishes in the competition were soups, baked goods, omelets, and fish. The winner then earned the coveted title of ‘master chef’.
Fact 5: Ancient China Developed Early Forms of Paper
One of the most significant inventions of all time was the discovery of paper. And while it is widely accepted that paper was discovered in China, many don’t know that the Ancient Chinese had developed a form of paper as early as the 2nd century BC. Known as the ‘Bamboo Slips’, paper from this era was made from interwoven strips of bamboo and used for everything from writing to funeral rituals.
Fact 6: Ancient India had Its Own Version of Woodblock Printing
Woodblock printing is a printing technique where a design is carved out of a piece of wood and then used to stamp a pattern onto a paper surface. This technique was first explained in Ancient India about 2000 years ago and was used to create beautiful artworks. It was also used to create the ‘Agama Sutras’, a form of ancient literature about Hinduism.
Fact 7: Ancient Maya Played Complex Ball Games
The Ancient Maya not only developed a complex 365-day calendar, but also enjoyed a complex ball game. This ball game which was played was similar to modern-day basketball where the players had to pass a ball through a stone hoop. Although this game was the Mayan version of basketball, it had additional features, such as bonus points for hitting the roofs and walls. The game was played with such passion and fervor, that players didn’t even notice the passing of time as they sends the matching several days.
Fact 8:Developed Cuneiform Writing System
The Ancient Sumerians are credited with developing one of the earliest writing systems; Cuneiform. This is a wedge-shaped writing system which was made up of current marks and symbols inscribed on clay tablets. It was largely used to keep records and to record objects that the Sumerians used in their daily everyday life. It is also said to be the first language written down, and it is still used today to decipher archeological tablets.
Fact 9: Ancient Rome was the Most Powerful Empire in the World
At its peak, the Roman Empire was the most powerful and influential empire in the world. It spanned from the city of Rome in the north to Egypt in the south, and used a complex network of roads to maintain its grip on imperial power. The Roman Empire was so iconic, that it was the basis for many legal and social conventions we use today, such as coins, civil law, and the language of Latin.
Fact 10: Ancient Egyptians Loved Hunting
Hunting has been part of human society since ancient times, and Ancient Egypt was no exception. The Egyptians were known to love hunting for both pleasure and to provide food, and they often hunted antelopes, wild goats, and gazelles. It is even said that Pharaohs would personally hunt down lions.
Fact 11: Ancient Assyrians Used Poison Gas in War
The ancient Assyrians, who were known for their ferocity in battle, used a poison gas against their enemies. This gas was made out of a substance called ‘poppy-dust’, and was said to have been used in several sieges. It is believed that this poison gas was made out of powdered lime, sulfur, and arsenic.
Fact 12: Ancient Babylon Had Flying Machines
In Ancient Babylon, people experimented with early forms of aircrafts. Archaeologists have found evidence that the Babylonians used hang gliders to fly, and they also experimented with a form of balloon. Although this aircraft was primitive, it was advanced enough to convey a person over a considerable distance.
Fact 13: Ancient Assyrians were the First to Brew Beer
The Assyrians were amongst the first civilizations to brew beer, and they shared their recipes and techniques across several thousand years. Archeological evidence suggests that the Assyrians used beer not only as a drink, but also as a form of payment in their society. They also called it the ‘beverage of joy’, aptly reflecting its importance.
Fact 14: Ancient Greece Used Pythagoras’ Theorem
One of the oldest proofs in mathematics is the Pythagoras theorem, and it was discovered by the Ancient Greeks. This theorem states that in any right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. This theorem was discovered more than 2000 years ago and is still used today in a wide range of applications, from astronomy to engineering.
Fact 15: Ancient Sumerians Used Pesticides
The Ancient Sumerians were the first to use pesticides as one of their farming methods. They discovered that various types of oils, such as olive oil, could be used to kill insects and pests from their crops. This discovery allowed farmers to keep their crops safe from pests, which then allowed for an increase in production and trade.
Conclusion
Ancient civilizations had a huge impact on the world, some of which are still in place today. They left behind incredible legacies of their cultures, beliefs, and remarkable engineering and scientific achievements. From the Incas’ advanced calendar to the Sumerian’s discovery of pesticide, these 15 facts have shown us the incredible feats of the civilizations of antiquity.
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