The wheel is often regarded as the invention that paved the way for all other innovations created throughout history. It is so old that it is not known when it was first created or who invented it. However, the oldest wheel found on the planet is estimated to be more than 5 thousand years old. The wheel was at first used for more efficient and faster transportation of goods. Even now, the wheel is one of the main things new technological inventions depend on.
2 – The Compass
The compass was used since the 14th century, and is still represents the navigation system for some explorers, even though navigation has never been easier with the satellite signals coming from space straight to your phone. Remember that without the compass many researchers would never have reached their planned destinations, and history would be totally different. This innovation was the one that ignited the Age of Discovery and also enabled interaction between previously isolated populations around the world.
3 – Printing Press
Ever since the 11th century, there were ideas of a printing press around the world. However, the person that realized these ideas in an efficient way and made it popular was Johann Gutenberg. He did so in the 1430s. He thought of several great ideas to perfect this invention, such as creating metal printing blocks, as they were proved to be much more durable then the hand-carved wooden letters that were used up until that point.
He was also notable for his advancement in ink and paper production. The printing press had an amazing impact for people all around the world, because information could be recorded and spread around the world much faster than before. It also made books far more affordable to middle class people.
4 – The Telephone
Since it was invented, the telephone has been regarded as one of the most useful things to have in your home. It simply lets us communicate with any other person in the world that also has a telephone. However, it was not always affordable for a lot of people. After Alexander Graham Bell invented this device, only few people were in the possession of it. However, after mass production cut down the price and after more people started using them, they revolutionized the world of communication. Nowadays, it’s hard to imagine a person going anywhere without a cell phone in their pocket.
5 – Steam Engine
None of the existing transportation methods that you can see around you would ever be possible if the steam engine hadn’t been invented. More importantly, you wouldn’t have supermarkets and large quantities of foods, drinks, and clothes everywhere if it wasn’t for this innovation. Prior to the steam engine, everything was made by hand. It is enough to say that it had such an impact on the human society that it sparked the Industrial Revolution. After that, large factories started opening, and the rest is history.