HISTORICAL ANTECEDENTS IN THE
structures that would address their
COURSE OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
• Ancient Times
• Middle Ages
• Modern Times
• Philippine Invention
ANCIENT TIMES
In ancient times, people were concerned
with transportation, navigation,
communication and record keeping, mass
production, security and protection, as
well as health, aesthetics, and
architecture.
Transportation - was significant at that
time because people were trying to go
places and discover new horizons.
Communication - was also essential in their
endeavors to discover and occupy new
places.
They needed to communicate They needed a
way to communicate with the natives of the
areas they visited so as to facilitate
trade and prevent possible conflicts.
Record-keeping was also important since
they needed to remember the places they had
been to and document the trades they made
with each other. It was also vital to keep
records of their history and culture so
they could establish their identities as
they tried to relate with other cultures
and civilizations.
Weapons and armor were important as well in
the discovery of new places or the
establishment of new alliances with other
tribes. At that time, 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.
People ventured into what is now known as
the 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 during the ancient times
still exist today and continually awe
people.
People ventured into what is now known as
the field of engineering. The development
in this field allowed humans to build
specific needs and wants. Some of the
structures built during the ancient times
still exist today and continually awe
people.
The development in engineering also ushered
in the introduction of architecture. In the
generations to come, architecture would be
considered a status symbol among nations of
how advanced their technology is. It may
also establish the identity of a nation.
SUMERIAN CIVILIZATION
Sumeria is located on the southernmost tip
of ancient Mesopotamia.
Sumerians are known for their high degree
of cooperation with one another and their
desire for great things. They are not
contented with the basic things that life
can offer. This desire pushed them to
develop many things connected with science
and technology.
CUNEIFORM
One of the major contributions of the
Sumerians is the development of the first
writing system known as cuneiform. It is a
system that utilizes word pictures and
triangular symbols which are carved on clay
using wedge instruments and then left to
dry. Cuneiform allowed the Sumerians to
keep records of things with great
historical value or their everyday life.
URUK CITY
Another important contribution of the
Sumerians is the City of Uruk. It is a 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.
There were no building stones in the
location of this city and lumber was
limited, making the construction a big
challenge. They used the bricks to make
houses that protected them from the harsh
weather and to build a wall around the city
that prevented wild animals and neighboring
raiders from entering.
THE GREAT ZIGGURAT OF UR
Another engineering and architectural feat
of the Sumerians is the Great Ziggurat of
Ur. Without much building materials, the
structure was constructed using sun baked
bricks. The ziggurat, also called the
mountain of god, was built in the same
manner that they constructed the City of
Uruk. As such, even until today, people
still enjoy and marvel at the preserved
Great Ziggurat of Ur.
IRRIGATION AND DIKES
The Sumerians were challenged to mass
produce food items but the elements in the
environment seemed uncooperative. As a
solution to this dilemma, the Sumerians
created dikes and irrigation canals to
bring water to farmlands and at the same
time control the flooding of the rivers.
SAILBOAT
At that time, the wheel was not yet
invented; the main mode of transportation
was through waterways such as rivers and
seas. Another challenge to the Sumerians
was transportation. Boats were used to
carry large quantities of products and were
able to cover large distances. However,
they wanted to discover faraway lands to
settle since the population was getting
larger, and boats were not enough to
accommodate more people and products.
WHEEL
In the latter part of their history, the
Sumerians were able to invent the wheel
since the specialized tools needed to
create it were already available. 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 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
Another farm technology invented by the
Mesopotamians is the plow. However, farmers
needed a technology which would enable them
to dig the ground where seeds would be
planted. The plow was invented to dig the
earth in a faster pace. Humans evolved from
being food gatherers to farm cultivators.
BABYLONIAN CIVILIZATION
Babylonian civilization emerged near the
Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The
Babylonians were great builders, engineers,
and architects.
HANGING GARDEN OF BABYLON
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon made up of
layers upon layers of gardens that
contained several species of plants, trees,
and vines.
According to legends, the great Babylonian
King Nebuchadnezzar II built the gardens
for his wife, Queen Amytis. However, no
physical evidence has been found to prove
the existence of the Hanging Gardens of
Babylon. Its exact location is also
unknown. Since time immemorial, people have
been debating about the existence of the
said mythical place.
EGYPTIAN CIVILIZATION
Another early civilization famous for its
legacy is the Egyptian civilization located
in North Africa. Many stories tell about
the engineering feats of the Egyptians
especially regarding the infrastructures
established by the pharaohs.
PAPER OR PAPYRUS
One of the earlier contributions of
Egyptian civilization was the paper or
papyrus. Before the Egyptian innovation,
clay tablets were used. Hence, Egyptian
invention of the paper or papyrus was a
welcome development. Although Egypt was not
the first to develop a system of writing,
they were able to make writing easier for
the world.
INK
When the Egyptians invented the papyrus or
the paper, engraving ceased to be used in
writing. As a result, the Egyptians
invented ink by combining soot with
different chemicals to produce inks of
different colors. The ink must withstand
the elements of nature since it was used to
record history, culture, and codified laws.
HIEROGLYPHICS
Like the Sumerians, the Egyptians also
developed a system of writing using
symbols, known as hieroglyphics. It was
adapted from the early writing system
established in Mesopotamia as a result of
trade between civilizations. They believed
that this writing system was provided to
them by their gods.
COSMETICS
In ancient Egypt, the use of cosmetics is
both for health and aesthetic reason.
What is the purpose of cosmetics in the
modern times?
Egyptian wore Kohl around the use to
prevent and even cure eye diseases.
Egyptians also believed that a person
wearing make-up was protected from evil and
beauty was a sign of holiness.
WIG
During the ancient Egyptian times, wig were
worn for health and wellness rather than
aesthetic purposes.
The wigs were used to protect the shaved
heads of the wealthy Egyptians from the
harmful rays of the sun. Moreover, it was
considered cleaner that natural hair
because it prevented the accumulation of
head lice.
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 coliseums and the
Olympics, the Greek civilization has
contributed much to the world especially in
the fields of science and technology.
ALARM CLOCK
One of the most utilized gadgets today that
was invented by the ancient Greeks is the
alarm clock. Although the alarm clock
during that time did not resemble the
present-day alarm clock, the purpose was
just the same to tell an individual when to
stop or when to start.
WATER MILL
They were commonly used in agricultural
processes like milling of grains which was
a necessary form of food processing during
that time. Because milling was made
possible by the use of watermills, the mass
production of rice, cereals, flours, and
the like became common.
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 during that
period. Because the Roman Empire was so
large, other civilizations looked up to it
as their model in terms of legislation and
codified laws.
NEWSPAPER
One of the major contributions of the
Romans is the newspaper. The first
newspapers, known as gazettes, contained
announcements of the Roman Empire to the
people. Made before the invention of paper,
these gazettes were engraved in metal or
stone tablets and then publicly displayed.
When paper was invented, it became easier
for the Romans to "publish" matters that
needed the attention of the Roman citizens.
BOUND BOOKS OR CODEX
With the invention of paper, it became
easier for civilization to write down
everything that happened in their time.
Record keeping was much easier since paper
did not easily break, was lightweight, and
did not occupy much space.
ROMAN ARCHITECTURE
It is one of the visual contributions of
the Roman Empire to the world. It is said
to be the continuation of Greek
architecture. Romans were able to adapt new
building and engineering technology on
architectural designs established in the
past.
ROMAN NUMERALS
Although other number systems had already
been established before the Roman numeral,
these old systems could not keep up with
high calculation requirements due to the
increasing rate of communication and trade
among nations.
CHINESE CIVILIZATION
The Chinese civilization is considered the
oldest civilization in Asia, if not the
world. It was famous among other ancient
civilizations because of its silk trade.
SILK
Silk production resulted in the creation of
a product for trade. The silk trade opened
China to the outside world, making way for
cultural, economic, and scientific
exchanges. It bridged the gap between the
western world and the middle kingdom.
TEA PRODUCTION
Tea is a beverage produce by pouring hot or
boiling water over crush or shredded dried
tea leaves. It was believed that the first
tea was drunk by a Chinese emperors.
GREAT WALL OF CHINA
Once considered the only man-made structure
that could be seen from outer space, the
Great Wall of China is said to be the
largest and most extensive infrastructure
that the nation built.
GUN POWDER
They mixed charcoal, sulfur, and potassium
nitrate, but instead of creating an elixir
of life, they accidentally invented a black
powder that could actually generate large
amounts of heat and gas in an instant.
MEDIEVAL/MIDDLE AGES
The start of the 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.
PRINTING PRESS
After the Chinese developed woodblock
printing, Johann Gutenberg was able to
invent the printing press, a more reliable
way of printing using a cast type.
MICROSCOPE
Another invention in the Middle Ages is the
microscope. Growing populations caused
massive migration and urbanization during
the period. More and more people
transferred to polluted and populated urban
areas which resulted in more people getting
sick and needing medical attention.
TELESCOPE
The invention of the telescope, an optical
instrument that helps in the observation of
remote objects, was a great help for
navigators during this time. Together with
the telescope, the invention of the
compass, oars, and rudders made sea
travelling easier and safer.
WAR WEAPONS
Since wars were widespread during the
Middle Ages, great development in the
weaponry technology also occurred. All
sides must develop weaponries not only for
offensive tools but also as defensive
instruments.
MODERN TIMES
Faster and easier means to communicate and
compute should be developed to establish
connections between and among nations. All
these needs resulted in the development of
industries. However, due to massive
industrialization, the modern times again
faced more complicated problems. Food
processing and medicine posed some of the
bigger challenges since health was of great
concern.
PASTEURIZATION
As people were able to develop better means
of production to meet the needs of the
population, food preservation and food
safety became an issue. The challenge to
keep manufactured food from deteriorating
was greater for dairy products, especially
milk, since they usually spoiled faster.
TELEPHONE
The more people got connected by trade and
exploration, the more they needed a way to
easily maintain these connections and
communicate with each other in real time.
CALCULATOR
The creation of modern calculators did not
only pave the way for easier arithmetic
calculations, but also resulted in the
development of more complex processing
machines like the computer.
PHILIPPINE INVENTIONS
The Philippines is known to be one of the
most vulnerable countries in terms of
natural disasters. Many of the discoveries
and inventions made by the Filipinos were
therefore built from indigenous materials
or created to adapt to the harsh tropical
environment.

SALAMANDER AMPHIBIOUS TRICYCLE

It has become ordinary for Filipinos to

convert transport vehicles into something
more useful. Another Filipino innovation is
the addition of a sidecar to a motorcycle
transforming it into a tricycle to
accommodate more passengers.

SALT LAMP

One of the major needs in the Philippines,

as a developing nation, is electrification.
Electricity powers various types of
machines, including light sources. In many
rural areas in the country, activities
would cease when it gets dark. It also
becomes more dangerous to travel.

MEDICAL INCUBATOR

Dr. Fe del Mundo, a Filipino pediatrician

and the first Asian woman admitted into
Harvard Medical School, devised a medical
incubator made from indigenous and cheap
materials which did not run on electricity.
Dr. del Mundo's incubator was made by
placing a native laundry basket inside a
bigger one.

MOSQUITO OVICIDAL/LARCIDAL TRAP SYSTEM

In 2010, the Department of Science and

Technology-Industrial Technology
Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) was able
to introduce the Mosquito Ovicidal
Larvicidal Trap System, also known as OL
Trap. This trap system is made of natural
ingredients that are lethal to mosquitos
but safe for humans and the environment.

E-JEEPNEY

This modern type of transportation utilizes

electricity instead of the more expensive
diesel. It is environment-friendly since it
does not emit any smoke and noise. The items
discussed in this chapter are only some of
the great inventions and developments
during the different time periods.