Lesson 2 – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE WORLD: ANCIENT, MIDDLE,

AND MODERN AGES

Lesson 2.2 – STS IN THE MEDIEVAL TIMES / MIDDLE AGES

The start of Middle Ages was marred by massive invasions and migrations. Wars
were prevalent during this time. As such, great technology was needed in the fields of
weaponry, navigation, mass food and farm production, and health. The wars have
resulted in population decline, but during the latter part of the period, there was a
significant rise in population. Trade and commerce among nations increased, which
resulted in greater demands for transportation technology. Some of the most innovative
minds came from this period.

1. Printing Press
 Johannes Gutenberg was able to invent the printing press, a more reliable
way of printing using a cast type.
 He utilized wooden machines that extracted juices from fruits, attached to
them a metal impression of the letters, and pressed firmly the cast metal
into a piece of paper, which then made an exact impression on paper.
 The printing press was invented to address the need for publishing books
that would spread information to many people at a faster rate.
 This invention also made works accessible to individuals who could not
even write (Streissgutrh, 1997).
2. Microscope
 Zacharias Janseen was able to develop the first compound microscope.
 With this device, people were able to observe organisms that were
normally unseen by the naked eye.
 The microscope was key in discovering new means in preventing and
curing various illness (Davidson, 2015).

3. Telescope
 The invention of the telescope, an optical instrument that helps in the
observation of remote objects, was great help for navigators during the
Middle Ages was also known as the Age of Exploration.
 Together with the telescope, the invention of the compass, oars, and
rudders made sea travelling easier and safer (Helen, 1989).
4. War Weapons
 People developed cross bows and low bows so that they could attack the
enemies at long ranges, keeping themselves safe with the protection of
walls and fortresses.
 Additionally, in close-range had-to-hand combat, soldiers should wear
something to protect themselves, a need addressed by the creation of iron
body armors.
 However, body armors were heavy and limited their movements. The
problem was eventually solved by the invention of the chainmail.

APPLY
1. Give other technological breakthrough in the Middle Times.
What drove it to be developed?
How did it affect the life of the society?
How does it affect us now?