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What were some of the most significant technological advances of the prehistoric Middle East?

Ophelia Rains

When it comes to the technological advances of the prehistoric Middle East, there were quite a few that stand out. One of the most significant was the development of agriculture. The Middle East was one of the first regions in the world to cultivate crops such as wheat, barley, and legumes. This allowed for a more stable food source, which led to the growth of settlements and cities.

Another important technological advance was the invention of the wheel. While it's unclear exactly where and when the wheel was first developed, evidence suggests that it was likely in the Middle East. The wheel revolutionized transportation and allowed for the development of wheeled vehicles such as carts and chariots.

The Middle East was also home to some of the earliest metallurgical techniques. Copper was the first metal to be worked in the region, followed by bronze. Bronze tools and weapons were stronger and more durable than those made of stone or bone, which allowed for increased productivity and better defense.

In addition to these advances, the Middle East was also home to some of the earliest forms of writing. The Sumerians, who lived in what is now Iraq, developed cuneiform writing around 3200 BCE. This system of writing was used for record-keeping and communication, and eventually evolved into other writing systems such as hieroglyphics and the alphabet.

Overall, the technological advances of the prehistoric Middle East had a significant impact on the development of human civilization. From agriculture to metallurgy to writing, these advances laid the groundwork for much of the progress that followed in the centuries and millennia to come.