TWO: A SENSE OF MYSTERY (–8000 to –800)
Accomplishment as of –800
By 800 BCE, notable achievements in science, art, and applied knowledge—like technology, medicine, commerce, and governance—were documented, although many were only known to small populations. Basic inventions like the wheel were limited to specific regions, and agriculture varied in sophistication. Governance had developed complex administrative systems in places like Egypt and China, with advanced legal codes. While arts such as literature and music existed, their specific levels of development are uncertain. However, the sciences showed minimal progress, with limited understanding of fields like chemistry and physics.
The Decline of Accomplishment
The progress of human civilization has not always been steady, as seen from the historical decline in achievement. After the fall of Rome, Europe entered the Dark Ages, losing knowledge and technology that had previously developed. Ancient civilizations like the Sumerian and Egyptian had already experienced similar declines before –800. By this time, many great cultures were either fading or had lost their significance, with only China continuing to progress. The advancements of earlier societies included agricultural techniques, construction methods, governance systems, and various scientific fields. However, by –800, many civilizations had degenerated, with Egypt in particular becoming less advanced compared to its earlier glory. Overall, this period shows that human accomplishments can rise and fall rather than continuously accumulate.
Puzzles
The standard archaeological view of human achievements from around 8000 to 800 BCE is limited by many mysteries surrounding the available data. One example of this is the Antikythera Mechanism, a bronze device found in a shipwreck off Greece that dates to around 65 BCE. This device was discovered to have intricate gear systems, including 22 gears capable of simulating solar and lunar cycles, which was surprising because similar technology was thought to have been invented much later. The existence of such a sophisticated artifact indicates that advanced technology existed earlier than previously known, although many other similar devices have not survived.
The written records from that time are scarce, further complicating our understanding. For instance, the destruction of the library at Alexandria wiped out hundreds of thousands of manuscripts, likely including valuable engineering texts. This loss means we can only guess at the full extent of the technology in that era.
There are also "known unknowns," which refer to achievements we know occurred but don't fully understand how they were achieved. An example is the Great Pyramid of Giza, which showcases remarkable engineering skill. The pyramid is aligned with great precision and constructed from millions of large blocks, suggesting advanced surveying and construction techniques. While theories exist about how the stones were moved, the lack of evidence makes it unclear how they were actually built.
In summary, while we can piece together a profile of human accomplishments around 800 BCE, it is likely far from complete, as much knowledge and many techniques have been lost or remain unexplained. The mysteries of this time highlight the complex nature of human innovation and achievement.
The Walls at Sacsayhuaman
The construction techniques used for the walls at Sacsayhuaman in Peru raise intriguing questions about ancient engineering. These walls are made from around 1,000 stone blocks, some weighing as much as 355 tons, and are fit together so precisely that not even a knife can fit between them. This poses a puzzle considering the Incas had no wheel and limited technology, making it difficult to explain how they moved, shaped, and assembled such heavy stones.
Some explanations suggest that unknown ancient technology once existed, which could fit into current historical models. This has led to various theories, some of which propose ideas like ancient aliens or advanced lost civilizations. However, these theories are often based on exaggerated claims and selective evidence. A smaller group of scientists is trying to explore the possibility of a prior advanced civilization that predated known ancient cultures, though details about this civilization remain speculative.
The concept of a monomyth, a shared story or theme found in myths across cultures, supports the idea that there may be a common historical source for cultural myths. This raises questions about how these myths spread globally. A work titled "Hamlet's Mill" argues that ancient myths were based on a shared understanding of astronomical knowledge, including the precession of the equinoxes—a concept believed to have been understood long before known history records it.
Another significant point is regarding the dating of the Great Sphinx of Giza, which is usually placed around 2500 BC. However, geological studies suggest that the Sphinx shows signs of erosion caused by water, indicating it could be much older, possibly carved as early as 7000 to 5000 BC. This finding contrasts with the established archaeological timeline of Egypt's history, leading to a debate about whether earlier advanced civilizations might have existed.
The discussions around ancient technologies and historical timelines continue, as experts examine geological evidence and the evolutionary path of early societies. While some scholars remain skeptical, the arguments point to the complexities of understanding our past and the potential for discoveries that could reshape current historical perspectives.
A Salutary Caution
By 800 BC, it is unclear how much humans had accomplished, and some ideas about the past might need to be changed. History shows that theories once thought impossible can later be accepted. Despite this uncertainty, after 800 BC is when significant progress began in art, literature, music, technology, mathematics, medicine, and science. This period is important because it helped create the foundation for what we know and use in these fields today.
Accomplishment as of –800
By 800 BCE, notable achievements in science, art, and applied knowledge—like technology, medicine, commerce, and governance—were documented, although many were only known to small populations. Basic inventions like the wheel were limited to specific regions, and agriculture varied in sophistication. Governance had developed complex administrative systems in places like Egypt and China, with advanced legal codes. While arts such as literature and music existed, their specific levels of development are uncertain. However, the sciences showed minimal progress, with limited understanding of fields like chemistry and physics.
The Decline of Accomplishment
The progress of human civilization has not always been steady, as seen from the historical decline in achievement. After the fall of Rome, Europe entered the Dark Ages, losing knowledge and technology that had previously developed. Ancient civilizations like the Sumerian and Egyptian had already experienced similar declines before –800. By this time, many great cultures were either fading or had lost their significance, with only China continuing to progress. The advancements of earlier societies included agricultural techniques, construction methods, governance systems, and various scientific fields. However, by –800, many civilizations had degenerated, with Egypt in particular becoming less advanced compared to its earlier glory. Overall, this period shows that human accomplishments can rise and fall rather than continuously accumulate.
Puzzles
The standard archaeological view of human achievements from around 8000 to 800 BCE is limited by many mysteries surrounding the available data. One example of this is the Antikythera Mechanism, a bronze device found in a shipwreck off Greece that dates to around 65 BCE. This device was discovered to have intricate gear systems, including 22 gears capable of simulating solar and lunar cycles, which was surprising because similar technology was thought to have been invented much later. The existence of such a sophisticated artifact indicates that advanced technology existed earlier than previously known, although many other similar devices have not survived.
The written records from that time are scarce, further complicating our understanding. For instance, the destruction of the library at Alexandria wiped out hundreds of thousands of manuscripts, likely including valuable engineering texts. This loss means we can only guess at the full extent of the technology in that era.
There are also "known unknowns," which refer to achievements we know occurred but don't fully understand how they were achieved. An example is the Great Pyramid of Giza, which showcases remarkable engineering skill. The pyramid is aligned with great precision and constructed from millions of large blocks, suggesting advanced surveying and construction techniques. While theories exist about how the stones were moved, the lack of evidence makes it unclear how they were actually built.
In summary, while we can piece together a profile of human accomplishments around 800 BCE, it is likely far from complete, as much knowledge and many techniques have been lost or remain unexplained. The mysteries of this time highlight the complex nature of human innovation and achievement.
The Walls at Sacsayhuaman
The construction techniques used for the walls at Sacsayhuaman in Peru raise intriguing questions about ancient engineering. These walls are made from around 1,000 stone blocks, some weighing as much as 355 tons, and are fit together so precisely that not even a knife can fit between them. This poses a puzzle considering the Incas had no wheel and limited technology, making it difficult to explain how they moved, shaped, and assembled such heavy stones.
Some explanations suggest that unknown ancient technology once existed, which could fit into current historical models. This has led to various theories, some of which propose ideas like ancient aliens or advanced lost civilizations. However, these theories are often based on exaggerated claims and selective evidence. A smaller group of scientists is trying to explore the possibility of a prior advanced civilization that predated known ancient cultures, though details about this civilization remain speculative.
The concept of a monomyth, a shared story or theme found in myths across cultures, supports the idea that there may be a common historical source for cultural myths. This raises questions about how these myths spread globally. A work titled "Hamlet's Mill" argues that ancient myths were based on a shared understanding of astronomical knowledge, including the precession of the equinoxes—a concept believed to have been understood long before known history records it.
Another significant point is regarding the dating of the Great Sphinx of Giza, which is usually placed around 2500 BC. However, geological studies suggest that the Sphinx shows signs of erosion caused by water, indicating it could be much older, possibly carved as early as 7000 to 5000 BC. This finding contrasts with the established archaeological timeline of Egypt's history, leading to a debate about whether earlier advanced civilizations might have existed.
The discussions around ancient technologies and historical timelines continue, as experts examine geological evidence and the evolutionary path of early societies. While some scholars remain skeptical, the arguments point to the complexities of understanding our past and the potential for discoveries that could reshape current historical perspectives.
A Salutary Caution
By 800 BC, it is unclear how much humans had accomplished, and some ideas about the past might need to be changed. History shows that theories once thought impossible can later be accepted. Despite this uncertainty, after 800 BC is when significant progress began in art, literature, music, technology, mathematics, medicine, and science. This period is important because it helped create the foundation for what we know and use in these fields today.