“ANCIENT TIMES”

Historical antecedents
Science and technology studies, or science, technology and society studies (STS) is the study
of how society, politics, and culture affect scientific research and technological innovation,
and how these, in turn, affect society, politics and culture.
Ancient science
Ancient science consists of astronomy, mathematics and medicine. Though meticulous
historical records are not available, much of its remnants can be traced up to 2500 B.C.
through religious literature.

Science during ancient times

Science is founded on the idea that experience, effort, and reason are valid, while magic is
founded on intuition and hope. In ancient times, it was common for science to be merged
with magic, religion, mysticism, and philosophy, since the limits of the scientific discipline
were not fully understood.
THE FATHER OF ANCIENT SCIENCE
How Aristotle Invented Science. Aristotle is considered by many to be the first scientist,
although the term postdates him by more than two millennia. In Greece in the fourth
century BC, he pioneered the techniques of logic, observation, inquiry and demonstration.
Technology in Ancient Times
In ancient times, technology was defined by Homer and Hesiod as the spoken word of
manual craft or cunning skill (Luna, 1994). By 330 BC, Aristotle coined the Greek term
technologia and split scientific knowledge into three parts: theoretical science, practical
science, and productive science (technology). During the growth of the ancient civilizations,
ancient technology was the result from advances in engineering in ancient times. These
advances in the history of technology stimulated societies to adopt new ways of living and
governance.
ANCIENT PERIOD (3,500 BC-100BC)
People’s Concern
Transportation, weapons and armors, field of engineering, communication, conservation of
life, and architecture.
1. Transportation

{Travelling to search for food} {People were trying to go places and discover new horizons} {Find
better locations for their settlements} {Travelled to trade their surplus goods in exchange for things
that they lacked}
2. Communication
Record-keeping Communicate with the natives of the areas as to facilitate trade and
prevent possible conflicts Essential to discover and occupy new places. The people thus
needed a form of technology that would enable them to increase food supplies and other
survival needs.
3. Weapons and armors
Security and protection. The establishment of new alliances with other tribes as there was
always a risk of conflict when people met others with different cultures and orientations.
Conflicts were common especially if different groups struggled to control vital resources.
Stronger nations tended to invade weaker ones so they could take much needed resources.
4. Conservation of life
Given this predicament, S and T played a major role in the discovery of Cures to, If not the
prevention of, illnesses Different illnesses and diseases, both natural and man-made,
hampered the full potential of a human being. The early people might have been successful
in harnessing the rich resources that the world could provide, but their SURVIVAL posed a
great problem.
5. Field of engineering
The development in this field allowed humans to build structures that would address their
specific needs and wants Some of the structures built before still exist today. The
development of engineering also ushered in the introduction of this field. During these
times, elaborate architectural designs were signs of technological advancement of a
particular civilization.
6. Architecture
In the generations now, it would be considered a status symbol among nations of how
advanced their technology Is and identity of a nation.

The rise of ancient civilization paved the way for advances in science and technology. These
advances during the Ancient period allowed civilizations to flourish by finding better ways of
communication, transportation, self-organization, and of living in general.
1. SUMERIAN CIVILIZATION
Sumeria is located on the southernmost tip of ancient Mesopotamia. Sumerians are known
for their high degree of cooperation with one another.
Cuneiform

✣ First writing system ✣ A system that utilizes word pictures and triangular symbols which
are carved on clay using wedge instruments and then left to dry.
Uruk city
Great wonder not only because it is considered to be the first true city in the world but also
for the way it was erected. No building stones and lumber was limited making the
Construction a big challenge. They used mud and clay from the river, which they mixed with
reeds, producing sun-baked bricks used in housing that could protect them from the harsh
weather and wall around the city that prevented wild animals and neighboring raiders from
entering.
The great ziggurat of Ur
Also called the Mountain of God Was built in the same manner that they constructed the
City of Uruk. Served as the sacred place of their chief god where only their priests were
allowed to enter. The temple showcases the elaborate and intricate Sumerian architecture
and the remarkable technology used to build it. Until today people still enjoy the marvel of
the preserved Ziggurat of Ur.

Irrigation and dikes

Created dikes and irrigation Canals to bring water to farmlands and at the same time control
the flooding of the rivers. This method was considered as one of the world' s most
BENEFICIAL ENGINEERING works.
Sailboats
At that time the wheel was not yet invented, the main mode of transportation was through
waterways such as rivers and seas Sailboats were essential in transportation and trading as
well as in fostering culture, information, and technology. Boats were used to carry large
quantities of products and were able to cover large distances.
Wheel
The first wheels were not made for transportation but for farm work and food processes.
With the use of the wheel and axle, mass production was made easier Farmers were able to
mill grains with less effort in less time.
The plow
This enables them to dig the ground where seeds would be planted at a faster pace. As the
plow breaks the ground, the farmer would just drop the seeds and the farm work would be
already done. With this, farmers could cultivate larger parcels of land taster enabling them
to mass produce food without taking so much effort and time.
Roads
To facilitate faster and easier travel, the Sumerians developed the first roads. The invention
of roads was very useful especially during the rainy season when traveling in soft and muddy
roads proved to be too difficult.
2. BABYLONIAN CIVILIZATION
Emerged near the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers Babylonians were great builders, engineers
and architect.
Hanging gardens of Babylon
A structure made up of layers upon layers of gardens that contained several species of
plants, trees and vines. Today people can only marvel at the beauty of the famous HGB from
stories and paintings because no physical evidence has been found to prove the existence.
Many said it was just a product of the Creative imagination of the great King because it
lacked documentation or archaeological evidence. Another early civilization famous for its
legacy located in North Africa. It is thus safe to say that the pyramids are not the only
contribution to the modern world but many more.
3. EGYPTIAN CIVILIZATION
Paper or papyrus

Although Egypt was not the first to develop a system of writing, they were able to make
writing easier for the world Papyrus was a plant that grew abundantly along the Nile river.
They were able to process the plant in order to produce thin sheets on which one could
write down things.
Ink
Egyptians invented ink by combining soot with different chemicals to produce inks of
different colors. It was tamper-proof.
Hieroglyphics
A system of writing using symbols They believed that this writing system was provided to
them by their gods and can still be seen today
Cosmetics
Function in ancient Egypt was for both health and aesthetic reasons. Egyptians wore Kohl
around the eyes to prevent and even cure eye diseases. They also believed that a person
wearing make-up was protected from evil and that beauty was a sign of holiness.
Wig
Are used to enhance the appearance of people who are balding or those who want to try
new hair trends. During the Egyptian times wigs were worn for health and wellness rather
than for aesthetic purposes. Wigs were used to protect the shaved heads of the wealthy
Egyptians from the harmful rays of the sun. Considered cleaner than natural hair because it
prevented the accumulation of head lice.
4. GREEK CIVILIZATION
Greece Is an archipelago in the southeastern part of Europe Known as the birthplace of
western philosophy. Some of the major achievements of the Greeks include in-depth works
on philosophy and mathematics. More than the coliseums and the Olympians the Greek
Civilization has contributed much to S and T.
Water mill
Used in agricultural processes like milling of grains which was a necessary form of food
processing They only required access to rivers or flowing water where a mechanism of a
large wheel with small buckets of water attached to it could be installed.
Alarm clock
One of the most utilized gadgets today that was invented by the ancient Greeks The
purpose was just the same with the alarm clock of the modern times -to tell an individual
when to stop or when to start
5. ROMAN CIVILIZATION
The Roman Empire was perceived to be the strongest political and Social entity in the west
It was considered to be the CRADLE OF POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE Other civilizations
looked up to it as their model in terms of legislation and codified laws.
Newspaper
Also known as GAZETTES Contained announcements of the Roman Empire to the people.
Bound books or codex.
Record-keeping was much easier The civilization became fond of record-keeping, events and
newly legislated laws.
Roman architecture
One of the most visual contributions of the ancient Roman Empire to the world Roman
Architecture continued the legacy left by Greek architects.
Roman numerals
Romans devised their own number system specifically to address the need for a standard
counting method that would meet their increasing communications and trade concerns
6. CHINESE CIVILIZATION
Is considered to be the oldest civilization in Asia if not the world Also known as the middle
kingdom, China is located far east of Asia.
Silk
Silk are produced by silk worms. Chines are the ones who discovered the technology on how
to harvest silk and process it to produce paper and clothing.
Tea production
A beverage produced by pouring hot or boiling water over crushed or shredded dried tea
leaves.
Great wall of China
Once considered the only man made structure that could be seen from the outer space.
Gunpowder
Originally it was developed by Chinese alchemists who aimed to achieve IMMORTALITY but
instead of creating an elixir of life, they accidentally invented a black powder that could
actually generate a large amount of heat and gas in an instant.