Era of Biological Energy Sources

Era of Inanimate Energy Sources

Era of Fossil Fuel Energy Sources

© 2003 David Koeller.  All rights reserved.

The Era of Biological Energy Sources

9000 BC to AD 600

9000 BC: Sheep are domesticated in the Middle East. 7400 BC: Corn is domesticated in the Oaxaca Valley. 7000 BC: Wheat is domesticated in Mesopotamia. 6500 BC: Cattle are domesticated in Mesopotamia. 6000 BC: Copper artifacts are common in the Middle East. 5000 BC: Barley is domesticated in Egypt. 4400 BC: Potatoes are domesticated in Peru and Bolivia. 4000 BC: Light wooden plows are used in Mesopotamia. 3500 BC: Kiln-fired bricks and pots are made in Mesopotamia. 3500 BC: Irrigation is developed in Mesopotamia. 3200 BC: Wheeled vehicles are used in Uruk. 3000 BC: Square-sailed ships used in Egypt. 3000 BC: Draft oxen are used in Mesopotamia. 3000 BC: Potter's wheel used in Mesopotamia. 2800 BC: Pyramids are built in Egypt. 2500 BC: Bronze is developed in Mesopotamia. 2000 BC: Horse drawn vehicles are used in Egypt. 1700 BC: Horse riding is developed on the Eurasia steppes. 1500 BC: Copper is smelted in China. 1500 BC: Rice paddies are developed in China. 1400 BC: Iron working is developed in the Middle East. 1300 BC: Horse drawn vehicles are developed in China. 800 BC: Mounted archers are developed on the Eurasian steppes. 600 BC: Archimedean screw used for irrigation in Egypt. 400 BC: Cross bow is developed in China. 300 BC: Stirrups are used in China. 150 BC: Iron moldboard plows in use in China. 100 BC: Waterwheels used in Greece and Rome. 100 BC: Beginnings of collar harness in China.

Resources Primary Sources Secondary Sources

This chronology based on: Vaclav Smil, Energy in World History (Boulder, CO; Westview Press, 1994) pp. 259-267.

Text copyright 1996-1999 by David W. Koeller. All rights reserved.