Ancient Egypt

We rely on technology to make our lives easier, faster, and better. Our buildings, machinery, vehicles, clothes, metals, food, medicines, and weapons depend upon it. But many of the technologies we currently use have their origins in the distant past.

Children's Literature

The ancient Egyptians had very advanced technology, some of which, even today, is difficult to replicate. Homes were made of brick and even sometimes included bathrooms and toilets. Their building accomplishments included obelisks and, of course, the great pyramids. Many of their accomplishments were religiously motivated, such as the pyramids and mummification. For farming, they developed the shadoof to aid in irrigation. They were also accomplished metalworkers, using mainly copper, bronze, and iron. Even though the only trees native to Egypt were palm trees, they imported pine and cedar so they could do carpentry. The ancient Egyptians developed papyrus, linen, pottery, and glass. They also built ships out of wood and even papyrus. As timekeeping was important to them, the Egyptians developed sundials, shadow clocks, and water clocks. In the medical field, they performed surgery, and developed preventative care for dentistry. Their contributions to military technology included inventing both the bow and arrow and the chariot. Filled with photographs and various tools like a glossary and timeline, this excellent resource is part of the "Technology in Times Past" series. Reviewer: Amie Rose Rotruck