Innovations in Mesopotamia

Innovations in Mesopotamia

The Wheel

Although archeologists don't know for sure who invented the wheel, the oldest wheel discovered was found in Mesopotamia. It is likely the Sumer first used the wheel in making pottery in 3500BC and then used it for their chariots in around 3200 BC.

The Mesopotamians used a number system with the base 60 (like we use base 10). They divided time up by 60s including a 60 second minute and a 60 minute hour, which we still use today. They also divided up the circle into 360 degrees. Mathematics also helped the Mesopotamians build temple-like structures called ziggurats.

Mathematics

The most important advancement made by the Mesopotamians was the invention of writing by the Sumerians. The first set of written law was called The Code of Hammurabi.

Sumerian Writing

The Mesopotamians made many technological discoveries. They were the first to use the potter's wheel to make better pottery, they used irrigation to get water to their crops, they used bronze metal to make strong tools and weapons, and used looms to weave cloth from wool.

Technology

Science, Inventions, andTechnology