Here are some fascinating ancient facts that you may not be aware of:
- Ancient Surgery: In ancient India, surgeons were performing complex surgeries like cataract removal as early as the 6th century BCE. The Sushruta Samhita, an ancient Sanskrit text, details various surgical techniques and medical treatments.
- Inca Engineering: The Inca civilisation in South America constructed intricate road systems spanning thousands of miles across rugged terrain, connecting their vast empire. These roads were vital for communication, trade, and military movement.
- Indus Valley Script: The Indus Valley Civilisation, one of the world’s oldest urban civilisations, had a writing system that remains undeciphered to this day. The symbols found on seals and artefacts indicate a sophisticated form of communication.
- Ancient Plumbing: The Minoans, an ancient civilisation on the island of Crete, had advanced plumbing systems in their palaces and cities around 2000 BCE. They had indoor bathrooms with flushing toilets and intricate drainage systems.
- Chinese Inventions: Many inventions we often attribute to later periods actually originated in ancient China. Examples include paper-making, printing, the compass, gunpowder, and even early forms of rockets.
- The Library of Alexandria: The Library of Alexandria in ancient Egypt was one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world. It housed countless scrolls and texts from various civilisations, making it a centre for scholarship and learning.
- Roman Concrete: The Romans developed a durable form of concrete that allowed them to construct massive structures like the Pantheon and aqueducts. This concrete, made from volcanic ash, lime, and seawater, has proven to be more resilient than modern concrete.
- Carthaginian Seafaring: The Carthaginians, ancient rivals of Rome, were skilled seafarers and traders. They established colonies across the Mediterranean and even ventured beyond, reaching as far as Britain and West Africa.
- Mayan Astronomy: The Mayans of Mesoamerica were advanced astronomers who accurately calculated celestial movements and developed a complex calendar system. Their observations helped them understand agricultural cycles and plan religious ceremonies.
- Hittite Peace Treaty: The Hittites, an ancient Anatolian civilisation, are known for one of the earliest recorded peace treaties, dating back to the 13th century BCE. The treaty, between the Hittites and Egyptians, ended decades of conflict and established diplomatic relations between the two powers.