Intellectual-revolution-that-defined-society

INTELLECTUAL REVOLUTION IN MESOAMERICA

  • Significance of the intellectual revolution for society in Mesoamerica.

LESSON OBJECTIVE

  • Aim: Students will analyze the scientific revolutions across various regions (Latin America, East Asia, Middle East, Africa).

CRADLES OF EARLY SCIENCE

  • Overview of the development of science:

    • Mesoamerica

    • Asia

    • Middle East

    • Africa

DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE IN MESOAMERICA

  • Geographical Scope: Mesoamerica includes Central America from Southern Mexico to the border of South America.

  • Civilizations: Focus on the Maya civilization which lasted approximately 2000 years.

  • Astronomical Knowledge:

    • Integration of advanced astronomy in religious structures like temples.

    • Example: El Castillo pyramid at Chichen Itza aligns with the sun during equinoxes.

MAYAN SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Celestial Observations:

    • Predicting eclipses.

    • Using astrological cycles for agricultural planning (planting and harvesting).

  • Calendar Systems:

    • Tzolk'in Calendar: 260 unique days for religious and ceremonial events.

      • Combination of 20 day names and 13 day numbers.

    • Haab’ Calendar: 18 months of 20 days each + 5 extra days (Wayeb').

  • Agricultural and Technological Innovations:

    • Advanced techniques for crop cultivation and city-building.

    • Development of weaving looms and vibrant paints from mineral mica.

    • The Mayan writing system—hieroglyphics—was highly sophisticated.

    • Mathematics: Developed a base-20 number system, concepts of zero, positional value predating Roman systems.

INCA CIVILIZATION CONTRIBUTIONS

  • Notable infrastructure and techniques:

    • Paved stone roads and earthquake-resistant buildings.

    • Innovative irrigation systems for crop sustenance across diverse terrains.

    • Calendar with 12 months for religious festivals and planting seasons.

    • Quipu: A knotted rope system for record-keeping, interpretable only by experts.

    • Renowned textiles as significant artistic achievements.

DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE IN ASIA

  • Characteristics of Asia as a vast continent hosting numerous ancient civilizations.

  • Mandatory Education contributions and innovations such as:

    • Chocolates, antispasmodic medications.

    • Chinampa: Farming method.

    • The Aztec calendar and canoe design.

DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE IN INDIA

  • Known for:

    • AYURVEDA: Traditional medicine system predating 2500 BC.

    • Measurement and standardization (Mohenjodaro ruler).

  • Aryabhata's Contributions:

    • Major works: Aryabhatiya—place value, π approximation, trigonometry, eclipses described scientifically, and spherical Earth concept.

  • Brahmagupta: Defined properties of zero and suggested gravitational theory.

DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE IN CHINA

  • Traditional Medicine: Acupuncture practices.

  • Innovations:

    • Inventions of the compass, papermaking, gunpowder, and printing.

    • Astronomy and lunar calendar advancements.

DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

  • Historical context dominated by Islamic scholars.

  • Key figures:

    • Hasan Ibn al-Haytham: Father of optics, contributions in mathematics, astronomy.

    • Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi: Conceptualized the algorithm, foundational work in algebra, dealt with precise calendars and astronomy.

DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE IN AFRICA

  • Notable advancements include:

    • Geometry development.

    • Studies in human anatomy and pharmacology.

    • Astronomy and mathematics.

    • Use of tally sticks and tally mark systems, tracing back thousands of years.