Inventions As Old As Time

It turns out that plenty of "modern" inventions have been collecting dust in history books for way longer than anyone gives them credit. Some were way ahead of their time, and others got a serious upgrade, but all of them will make you rethink what's truly "new." So, let's look at 20 creations that have been around way longer than you could have possibly imagined.Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

1. Maps

Maps were created by the Babylonians around 2300 BCE and were used to document territory and resources. These early maps were carved onto clay tablets. Over time, cartography evolved, giving rise to more accurate and detailed maps. 

Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg) on Wikimedia

2. Eyeglasses

Around 1286, eyeglasses were invented in Italy to help people with poor vision. Made of glass and mounted on wooden or metal frames, these glasses initially helped the elderly read and write. Fast forward to today, and eyeglasses are everywhere, from fashion to function.

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3. Cement

Roman concrete was developed by the ancient Romans around 300 BCE. Unlike modern cement, Roman concrete contained volcanic ash, which helped it set underwater, allowing the Romans to build incredible underwater structures, like ports and harbors. 

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4. Water Clocks

Water clocks, known as "clepsydra," were used as early as 1500 BCE in Egypt and Greece. These devices measured time through the steady flow of water. A far cry from the digital clocks of today, they reveal how ancient cultures managed time before modern technology.

Maahmaah . persian tools on Wikimedia

5. The Arch

First used by the Mesopotamians around 2300 BCE, the arch is one of the oldest architectural innovations. The arch allowed the construction of massive bridges, doorways, and aqueducts. It was the Romans, however, who perfected it, using it in the Colosseum and other monumental buildings. 

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6. Paper

Around 105 CE, Cai Lun, a Chinese court official, invented paper, changing history forever. Made from plant fibers, his innovation revolutionized communication, record-keeping, and art. From scrolls to books, paper has been the silent carrier of human knowledge for centuries. Hard to imagine life without it, right?

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7. The Wheel

The wheel dates back to around 3500 BCE in Mesopotamia. Initially used for pottery, it quickly evolved for transportation. Imagine life without the wheel: no cars, bikes, or even roller coasters. It’s one of the oldest inventions in history!

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8. Glass

Glass, dating back to 3500 BCE in Mesopotamia, was initially created for decorative purposes. The Egyptians soon adopted it to craft beads and jewelry. Over the centuries, it became essential in architecture, medicine, and technology.

Sridhar Rao on Wikimedia

9. Umbrella

We think of umbrellas as rain shields, but in ancient Egypt, around 2000 BCE, they were all about protecting the elite from the sun. Made of papyrus, they were a symbol of status. The next time you pop open your umbrella, remember—it started as a fancy sunshade for Pharaohs.

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10. Toothbrush

Toothbrushes, those trusty morning tools, got their start in China in 1498. Early models were made with hog bristles and attached to bamboo handles. Bet you didn’t think your toothbrush had such a rich, hairy history! From humble bamboo to today’s electric versions, your teeth are in good hands, literally.

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11. Sailing Ships

Picture this: it’s 3000 BCE, and you’re an Egyptian sailor setting off down the Nile on a boat powered purely by the wind. No fuel, no motor. These early sailing ships revolutionized travel, trade, and exploration. As civilizations caught on, they took to the seas, spreading ideas and goods across the world. 

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12. Automatic Doors

Over 2,000 years ago, the Hero of Alexandria created a pneumatic system to open temple doors. Fast forward to the 1930s, and pressure-sensitive automatic doors made their debut. Then in 1954, Dee Horton and Lew Hewitt took it further, introducing the first sensor-based sliding doors. It’s incredible to see how much they’ve evolved!

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13. Buttons

When did buttons first make their mark? All the way back in the Indus Valley, around 2000 BCE, where they were originally used as ornaments, not fasteners. It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that buttons were used for functional purposes, revolutionizing fashion and how we dress today. 

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14. Knives

Knives have been around for over 2.5 million years. Early versions, made from stone, were essential tools for survival. Whether for hunting or self-defense, knives were important in early human history. Isn't it wild that the knife, a tool still in use today, has such ancient roots?

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15. Vending Machines

You might think vending machines are a modern convenience, but they were actually invented in 215 BCE by the Hero of Alexandria. His machine dispensed water in exchange for a coin. Can you imagine how this ancient device would’ve blown minds back then? Talk about early automation.

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16. Seals

The ancient Egyptians were among the first to use seals, carving intricate designs onto clay to mark ownership or authenticate documents. These small, personal emblems could symbolize power, religion, or even royalty. Fast forward to the Middle Ages, and seals became a must-have for nobility and royalty.

Alensha on Wikimedia

17. Lock And Key

Locks and keys—can you imagine life without them? The ancient Egyptians, around 2000 BCE, were the first to develop locks made of wood, using pin tumblers to secure doors. This simple yet effective security tool became the foundation for all locks.

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18. Printing Press

Think the printing press is a Renaissance invention? Think again! Bi Sheng, in China around 1040 CE, used movable clay type to print. His version of the printing press, centuries before Gutenberg’s, allowed books and texts to be mass-produced. 

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19. The Alphabet

The Phoenicians developed the first alphabet around 1050 BCE, providing the foundation for many modern languages. Unlike earlier systems of writing, which used pictures, the alphabet was more efficient and versatile. This shift towards phonetic writing revolutionized communication. 

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20. Stirrups

In 300 CE, the Chinese invented stirrups and revolutionized how soldiers fought on horseback. However, an early version existed, as before stirrups, riders had to balance themselves while wielding weapons—awkward! With stirrups, soldiers could stay steady, making cavalry charges more powerful. 

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