Ancient Civilizations: Law, Medicine, and Technology Key Concepts

Hammurabi's Code

Written laws and punishments; includes "an eye for an eye" and shows differences between social classes.

Dentists and Tooth Worms

Mesopotamians treated dental problems but believed cavities were caused by tooth worms.

Surgical Instruments

Mesopotamian evidence includes medical instruments, including a tube described in Hammurabi's Code for delivering medicine into the body.

Astrology

Cylindrical seals show the sun, moon, and Venus; Mesopotamians tracked Venus for many years.

First World Map

A Mesopotamian map from about 1800-1100 BCE represents the entire known world.

Assyrian Iron Technology

Iron was used around 1200-700 BCE and was stronger and more available than bronze.

Yakhcha

Ice was collected during winter and stored in a large structure designed to keep the interior cool.

Qanat

Underground channels moved water to areas that lacked it and were used with Persian water systems.

Egyptian Pyramid Mathematics

Egyptians used 3-4-5 ropes to create right angles and used mathematics to construct pyramids.

Egyptian Calendar

Egyptians observed Sirius and developed a calendar of about 365 days connected to the Nile flood.

Levees and Dams

Egyptians used barriers to control and manage Nile water.

Nilometers

Marked structures measured the height of the Nile and were often located inside temples.

Egyptian Eye Makeup and Early Chemistry

Egyptians mixed substances such as lead and coal to create eye makeup.

Egyptian Toothpaste and Toothbrush

Egyptians mixed ingredients to make toothpaste and used tools to clean their teeth.

Mummification

Egyptians preserved bodies by removing much of the body's material and wrapping the body in dry linen.

Egyptian Prosthetic Limbs

Egyptians produced artificial limbs as part of their medical practices.

Standardized Harappan Bricks

Harappan bricks followed a standard ratio and were used across settlements thousands of miles apart.

Harappan Plumbing and Drainage

Houses had drains connected to larger covered street drains; drains were straight and gently sloped.

Indian Ironworking

Iron weapons and technology helped Aryan groups use spears and chariots and expand into the Indus Valley.

Ayurveda

Ayurvedic texts discussed medicine, anatomy, and maintaining health.

Ayurveda's Five Elements

The five elements were fire, earth, space, water, and air and were connected to the body.

Indian Plastic Surgery

Indian surgeons performed restorative surgery, especially on damaged noses and ears, and used many surgical instruments.

Earth as a Sphere

Indian scholars used astronomy to understand that Earth was a sphere.

Indian Seaports and Trade

Indian civilizations used seaports for long-distance trade; the Code of Manu contains commercial laws.

Gupta Trigonometry and Astronomy

Indian scholars used mathematics and astronomy to study eclipses, Earth's rotation, and other problems.

Indian Distillation, Disinfectants, and Smallpox Vaccination

Indian medicine developed distillation, disinfecting substances, and early smallpox vaccination practices.

Chinese Silk

Chinese producers raised silkworms, fed them mulberry leaves, and spun their cocoons into silk thread.

Early Chinese Compass

A lodestone spoon placed on a bronze plate pointed south and could help people find direction.

Chinese Paper

Chinese paper was made from materials such as bark and wood and provided cheaper writing material.

Chinese Woodblock Printing

Text was carved into wooden blocks, inked, and pressed onto paper; printing was used for books, agriculture, medicine, and calendars.