What were the scientific and technological contributions of China, India, and the Mediterranean? (during 8000 BCE- 600 CE)
Your book is probably a more convenient source of this information. However, these sites also have your answers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_science_and_technology_in_China
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Indian_science_and_technology
http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=aa32
http://www.google.com/search?q=scientific+Phoenicia+history&hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS338&ie=UTF-8&tbs=tl:1&tbo=u&ei=qud9SrfIDon8tgf4id3gAQ&sa=X&oi=timeline_result&ct=title&resnum=11
http://www.crystalinks.com/romescience.html
During the time period from 8000 BCE to 600 CE, China, India, and the Mediterranean region made several scientific and technological contributions. Let's take a closer look at each of them:
1. China:
- Papermaking: In 105 CE, Chinese scholar Cai Lun invented papermaking, which revolutionized the way humans recorded and spread information.
- Printing: Bi Sheng, a Chinese inventor, developed movable type printing around the 11th century, leading to the mass production of books.
- Compass: The Chinese invented the magnetic compass during the Han dynasty (2nd century BCE), which greatly aided navigation.
- Gunpowder: Chinese alchemists discovered gunpowder around the 9th century, leading to its use in warfare, fireworks, and eventually firearms.
2. India:
- Mathematics: The concept of zero and the decimal place value system were developed in ancient India around the 6th century. These mathematical advancements greatly influenced the development of modern mathematics.
- Astronomy: Indian astronomers made significant contributions to the field, including calculating the Earth's circumference and the heliocentric model of the solar system.
- Metallurgy: The Iron Age in India began around 1800 BCE. Indian metallurgists developed advanced techniques for extracting and working with metals.
3. Mediterranean:
- Architecture: The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans developed impressive architectural styles and techniques, including the use of columns, arches, and domes.
- Medicine: The ancient Greeks, particularly Hippocrates and Galen, made significant contributions to medical knowledge and practice.
- Navigation: Mediterranean civilizations mastered the art of seafaring, developing ships and navigational tools like astrolabes and quadrant compasses.
To find more specific and detailed contributions for each region and time period, it is recommended to refer to academic sources, textbooks, or articles related to history, archaeology, or specific scientific fields of interest. These sources provide a comprehensive understanding of the scientific and technological advancements made during the given time frame.