How advanced was technology five thousand years ago?

Ancient Egypt

Above all of the civilizations that existed five thousand years ago, the ancient Egyptians were among the most advanced. New research has found that much of their architecture (including the pyramids) were built with more than just ramps and levers.

Hydraulics

A recent study published in the journal PLOS One determined that at least one of Egypt’s pyramids was built with hydraulic lifts: the Pyramid of Djoser, also known as the Step Pyramid.

Ingenious methods

The Step Pyramid is the oldest pyramid in Egypt, built around 2680 BCE, and was constructed using a combination of trenches, tunnels, and a dam that channeled water to the construction site. Once there, heavy stones were placed on a floating platform in the water.

Rainfall

Although many argue that the area would not have received enough rainfall to fill the tunnels with sufficient water, some researchers are claiming that the Egyptian desert was far wetter back then than it is today.

Metallurgy

The Stone Age came to an end because early civilizations began developing metallurgy. The discovery and use of copper (and later bronze) allowed early civilizations to create stronger tools, weapons, and artifacts, which led to many advancements.

Agriculture

Agriculture was well established by 3000 BCE, and technologies such as plows and crop rotation techniques were constantly in use. These innovations allowed enough food to grow to support larger populations, and led to the development of cities and complex societies.

The wheel

The invention of the wheel around 3500 BCE revolutionized transportation and trade. The wheel was initially used for making pottery, and it enhanced economies and cultures around the world since it was able to move goods and people.

Irrigation and water

Sophisticated irrigation systems, like those in Mesopotamia and Egypt, allowed civilization to control water from rivers, which was crucial for sustaining agriculture in arid regions and enabling the growth of society.

Astronomy

Ancient civilizations had a surprisingly advanced understanding of astronomy. They used observations of the stars and planets to create calendars, predict seasonal changes, and conduct religious ceremonies.

Stonehenge

The construction of monuments like Stonehenge suggest that a large number of ancient peoples shared a deep connection between technology and celestial events.

Pottery

Innovations such as the potter's wheel significantly advanced pottery production. Kiln technology also started producing stronger and more durable pottery, which was crucial for storage and daily use.

Shipbuilding and navigation

Five thousand years ago, the technology of shipbuilding was advanced enough for Egyptians and Mesopotamians to navigate rivers and open seas. Interestingly, some of ancient Egypt’s earliest boats were made from papyrus reeds.

Calendar systems

Early civilizations developed incredibly advanced calendar systems to track time and agricultural cycles. The Egyptian calendar, for instance, was based on the lunar and solar cycles, and allowed them to predict the annual flooding of the Nile for agricultural purposes.

Beads and jewelry

The production of beads and jewelry was also evidence of advanced technology, since it required specialized shaping, drilling, and polishing of materials like stone, bone, and metal. These items were not only decorative, but also played important roles in trade and social status.