Technology Chronology

The Era of Biological Energy Sources: 9000 BC to AD 600

Between 9000 BC and 6000: Plants and animals are domesticated.

6000 BC: Copper artifacts are common in the Middle East.

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.

2800 BC: Pyramids are built in Egypt.

2500 BC: Bronze is developed in Mesopotamia.

1400 BC: Iron working is developed in the Middle East.

The Era of Inanimate Energy Sources: 600 to 1600

600: Windmills used in Iran.

850: Triangular sails used in the Mediterranean.

1000: Waterwheels are widespread in Europe.

1040: Gunpowder in China.

1327: Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal is completed.

The Era of Fossil Fuel Energy Sources: 1600 to the Present

1769: James Watt develops an improved condenser for the steam engine.

1837: W. Cooke and C. Wheatstone develop the first electric telegraph.

1860: J.J.E. Lenoir develops the first internal combustion engine.

1876: Alexander Graham Bell patents the telephone.

1879: Thomas Edison develops the carbon filament lightbulb.

1883: H.S. Maxim invents the machine gun.

1888: Nikola Tesla invents the induction electrical motor.

1899: Guglielmo Marconi sends the first radio signal across the English Channel.

1903: Orville and Wilbur Wright make the first powered flight.

1923: Vladimir Zworykin invents the electronic camera tube.

1947: Bardeen, Brattan and Shockley invent the transistor.

1957: Sputnik is launched.

1969: Edward Hoff and Intel Corp. develop the microprocessor.

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

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