ENGINEERING

ACHIEVEMENTS OF
ANCIENT
CIVILIZATIONS

MARJAN ALI
ABDULLAH MAHMOUD
 EGYPTIAN
The ancient Egyptian civilization made significant engineering achievements that continue to inspire awe and
admiration to this day. Here are some notable engineering accomplishments of the Egyptian civilization:
1. Pyramids: The construction of massive pyramids stands as one of the most iconic
engineering achievements of ancient Egypt. The Great Pyramid of Giza, built for
Pharaoh Khufu, is the largest and most famous among them. These pyramids were
constructed using enormous blocks of limestone and granite, weighing several tons
each. The precision with which these blocks were cut and fitted together is remarkable,
especially considering the limited tools and technology available at the time.: Adjacent
to the Great Pyramid of Giza,
2. Sphinx; the Sphinx is another remarkable engineering marvel. It is a gigantic statue with
the body of a lion and the head of a human, likely representing the pharaoh Khafre. The
construction of this monument involved carving a massive limestone rock into its
distinctive shape, displaying the ancient Egyptians' mastery of stone carving and
sculpting techniques.
3. Temples: The ancient Egyptians built numerous temples dedicated to their gods and
pharaohs. These temples, such as the Temple of Karnak and the Temple of Luxor, were
grand in scale and adorned with intricate carvings and hieroglyphics. The construction
techniques employed in these temples involved massive stone blocks, massive columns,
and precise alignments with celestial bodies.
• 4 Obelisks: These were used as sun clocks. The Egyptians erected tall, slender stone pillars
called obelisks as monuments and symbols of power. These obelisks were often carved from a
single piece of granite or other hard stones and were decorated with intricate hieroglyphics.
The tallest surviving obelisk is the Lateran Obelisk in Rome, originally from the Temple of
Amun in Karnak.
• 5 Irrigation and Agriculture: The Egyptians were pioneers in harnessing the waters of the Nile
River for irrigation and agriculture. They developed an intricate system of canals, dikes, and
reservoirs to control and distribute water to their fields. This allowed them to cultivate crops
and achieve agricultural productivity even in arid regions.
• 6 Hieroglyphic Writing: While not strictly an engineering achievement, the development of
hieroglyphic writing by the ancient Egyptians was a significant advancement in
communication. Hieroglyphs were intricate pictorial symbols that represented words, sounds,
or concepts. They were carved or painted on temple walls, tombs, and other structures,
providing a means of recording and conveying information.
• 7 The ox drawn plough; these are also used in agriculture.
• These engineering achievements of the ancient Egyptian civilization demonstrate their
advanced knowledge of architecture, mathematics, surveying, and construction techniques.
The precision, scale, and endurance of their structures continue to inspire admiration and
intrigue in modern times.an civilization
 MESOPOTAMIA
• Mesopotamia, often referred to as the "Cradle of Civilization," was an ancient region located in the
eastern Mediterranean, encompassing parts of modern-day Iraq, Kuwait, Syria, and Turkey. The
Mesopotamians made significant contributions to engineering and technology, which laid the foundation
for many future inventions. Here are some notable engineering inventions of Mesopotamia:
• 1. Irrigation Systems: Mesopotamians developed advanced irrigation techniques to harness the waters of
the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. They constructed canals, dikes, and reservoirs to control and distribute
water for agricultural purposes, which greatly enhanced their ability to grow crops in arid regions.
• 2. Wheel: The invention of the wheel is often attributed to the Mesopotamians. They used wheels
primarily for pottery and transportation purposes. The wheel revolutionized transportation and played a
crucial role in the development of carts, chariots, and later, wheeled vehicles. Although the oldest wheel
found thus far comes from central Europe, the concept of wheel is believed to have originated in
Mesopotamia earlier.
• .3. Arch and Dome Construction: Mesopotamians were skilled in architectural engineering and
constructed buildings using arches and domes. By using baked bricks and mud mortar, they built
structures with vaulted roofs, allowing for larger interior spaces and more stable constructions.
4. Cuneiform Writing System: The Mesopotamians developed one of the earliest writing systems known as cuneiform. This
system involved the use of wedge-shaped marks made on clay tablets using a stylus. Cuneiform enabled the recording and
preservation of knowledge, facilitating communication, trade, and administration.
5. City Planning: Mesopotamians were among the first to plan and construct cities systematically. They built cities with well-
defined streets, organized neighborhoods, and public buildings, including temples, palaces, and administrative centers. City
planning allowed for efficient land use, social organization, and governance.
6. Ziggurats: Ziggurats were massive stepped structures built as religious temples in Mesopotamia. These monumental
buildings, found in cities like Ur and Babylon, were constructed using terraced layers of baked bricks. Ziggurats served as
religious centers, administrative hubs, and symbols of power and authority.
7. Astronomy and Astrology: Mesopotamians made significant advancements in understanding celestial bodies. They
developed a comprehensive astronomy system, observing and mapping the movements of stars, planets, and constellations.
Their observations formed the basis for early astrology and influenced later civilizations' astronomical knowledge.
8. Water Clocks: Mesopotamians developed water clocks, also known as clepsydra, to measure time. These devices employed
the flow of water to mark the passage of time, allowing for more accurate timekeeping than simple sundials. Water clocks
were used for various purposes, including regulating irrigation and tracking astronomical events. THE SUMERIANS DIVIDED A
DAY INTO 12 HOURS OF LIGHT AND 12 HOURS OF DARKNESS AND THEN INTO 60 MINUTE HOURS.

Aside from all these the Sumerians developed mathematics at some point prior to the invention of writing. These engineering
inventions of Mesopotamia played a crucial role in shaping human civilization and laid the groundwork for future
technological advancements. They revolutionized agriculture, transportation, architecture, communication, and timekeeping,
contributing to the progress of ancient societies and serving as a foundation for the development of subsequent civilizations.
 GREEK
• The ancient Greek civilization made significant contributions to engineering and technology,
many of which continue to influence modern engineering practices. Here are some notable
engineering inventions and achievements of the Greek civilization:
• 1. Archimedes' Screw: Archimedes, a renowned Greek mathematician, invented the Archimedes'
Screw, a device used for lifting water. It consists of a spiral tube encased in a cylinder, and when
rotated, it lifts water from a lower level to a higher one. This invention was used for irrigation and
to drain water from mines.
• 2. Greek Temples: The Greeks developed advanced architectural techniques for constructing
temples. They employed the use of columns, including the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders, to
support the weight of the buildings. These temples were designed with precise proportions and
harmonious aesthetics, reflecting the Greeks' understanding of mathematics and geometry.
• 3. Greek Theatres: Greek theatres were renowned for their innovative design, excellent
acoustics, and ability to accommodate large audiences. The theatres were usually built into
hillsides and consisted of semicircular seating areas, an orchestra pit, and a stage. The design
allowed for optimal sound amplification and visibility of performances.
• 4. Watermill: The Greeks developed watermills as a means of harnessing water power for various
applications. These mills used the movement of water to turn a wheel, which, in turn, powered
machinery such as grinding mills, sawmills, and textile mills. Watermills were essential for various
industrial processes in ancient Greece.
• 5. Hellenistic Machines: During the Hellenistic period, Greek engineers created impressive machines
and automata. For example, Hero of Alexandria, a Greek mathematician and engineer, invented the
aeolipile, a steam-powered device considered an early precursor to the steam engine. Hero also
designed various mechanical devices, including vending machines, automatic doors, and programmable
mechanisms.
• 6. Ancient Greek Shipbuilding: The Greeks were skilled shipbuilders and navigators. They developed
different types of ships, such as the trireme, a warship with three rows of oars on each side. The
trireme was highly maneuverable and played a crucial role in naval warfare. Greek shipbuilders also
developed the technique of shell-first construction, where a ship's hull was built first before adding
internal structures.
• 7. Surveying and Geometry: Greek engineers made significant contributions to surveying and
geometry, which were essential for designing and constructing buildings, roads, and other
infrastructure. Mathematicians like Euclid and Pythagoras developed geometric principles and
theorems that laid the foundation for modern surveying techniques.
• These along with lever, crane, alarm clocks and catapult are just a few examples of the engineering
inventions and achievements of the Greek civilization. The Greeks' understanding of mathematics,
geometry, and their innovative thinking had a profound impact on engineering practices and continue
to inspire engineers and architects to this day.