Technology used in Early Societies

The Greeks, Romans and Early Chinese societies all used geared
waterwheels to grind grain into flour.



The Romans developed cranes to help lift heavy loads in the
construction of multi-story buildings. These used a combination
of human powered treadmills (like a hamster wheel) and pulley
systems.
The machane was a crane used in Greek theatre to lift actors in
the air, so it looked as though they were flying.



The Greeks used pulley systems on the masts of their ships to make it easier to lift the
heavy sails.




The earliest Fishing Reels were found in China. This important tool uses a pulley
system (with later models also including geared mechanisms).


The Counterweight Trebuchet was used in warfare during Medieval times
in Europe and China. A pulley system was used to lift the heavy
counterweight. When released, the counterweight would set the trebuchet
in motion.





Drawbridges were used during Medieval times to protect inhabitants. A pulley
system was used to control the gate.




Oil lamps were used to bring light into the homes of people in many
early societies. The lamps were first made from clay, and later from
different kinds of metal. In some societies (like Rome), they were also
adapted to be used as street lights. Different kinds of oil were used in
different parts of the world, sometimes making light very expensive.

The Greeks and Romans made use of sunlight in their burning lenses.
This fire might be used for special purposes, such as for lighting sacred
torches, or for warfare.



The Lighthouse of Alexandria used reflected light to help ships find their way safely
to shore. It is considered one of the wonders of the ancient world, and influenced
the way that later lighthouses are built, even to this day. It was built in Alexandria,
Egypt at the request of Egypts first Greek ruler, Ptolemy.



The Camera Obscura was invented during Medieval times (around 1000
CE) and used light (and in later models, reflection) to project images. This
technology led to the development of the cameras we use today.


The Egyptians used light from the sun to tell time using sun clocks (and
later sun dials). This helped priests conduct rituals and prayers for different
gods at the correct time of day.


Instruments and music played an important role in all early societies.
String and wind instruments use properties of sound differently.