Historical Antecedents in the Course of Science and Technology

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and innovations from the lecture on ancient science and technology, focusing on Sumerian and Babylonian contributions.

Science and Technology

Interrelated fields that simplify complex tasks, improve efficiency, and enhance quality of life through continuous advancements.

Historical Antecedents

Earlier inventions, discoveries, and ideas that laid the groundwork for later scientific and technological progress.

Ancient Times

Early period in human history when foundational developments in transportation, communication, agriculture, and engineering emerged.

Transportation (Ancient)

Systems and methods that enabled exploration, trade, and resource acquisition, crucial for expanding civilizations.

Communication (Ancient)

Means of sharing information—vital for exploration, trade, record-keeping, and conflict avoidance among early peoples.

Mass Production (Ancient)

Technological efforts to increase food and goods output to meet growing population needs with limited resources.

Weapons and Armor

Tools of offense and defense developed to protect territories and resources during encounters with other groups.

Conservation of Life

Early medical practices and discoveries aimed at curing disease and prolonging human survival.

Engineering (Ancient)

Application of scientific principles to build structures, improve transportation, and solve practical problems.

Architecture (Ancient)

Design and construction of buildings that reflected a civilization’s technological prowess and cultural identity.

Sumerian Civilization

Early Mesopotamian society known for cooperative culture and numerous scientific and technological innovations.

Mesopotamia

Region between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, birthplace of several advanced ancient civilizations including the Sumerians and Babylonians.

Cuneiform

First writing system using wedge-shaped symbols on clay tablets, enabling record-keeping in Sumer.

Uruk City

World’s first true city, built by Sumerians with sun-baked mud bricks and fortified walls.

Great Ziggurat of Ur

Massive stepped temple made of sun-baked bricks, serving as a sacred site for the chief Sumerian god.

Irrigation and Dikes

Sumerian engineering works that controlled floods and supplied water for year-round farming and increased food production.

Sailboats (Sumerian)

Wind-powered vessels that enhanced long-distance trade, cultural exchange, and transportation efficiency.

Wheel and Axle

Sumerian invention initially used in milling and farming, later revolutionizing transportation and manufacturing.

Plow

Mesopotamian farm tool that turned and aerated soil, shifting humans from gathering to large-scale cultivation.

Roads (Sumerian)

Early paved pathways that organized and increased the speed of land traffic for trade and travel.

Babylonian Civilization

Mesopotamian society renowned for grand architecture, engineering, and legendary constructions.

Hanging Gardens of Babylon

Fabled terraced gardens said to feature diverse flora; regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

King Nebuchadnezzar II

Babylonian ruler traditionally credited with constructing the Hanging Gardens for his wife.

Queen Amytis

Wife of Nebuchadnezzar II, for whom the lush Hanging Gardens were supposedly built to replicate her homeland’s greenery.