Technology has come a long way, and years ago, it was much more basic. However, each new discovery made life easier for man. In addition, technology today comes from a long series of discoveries, with each one moving us closer to modern times. Take a look at some of the first human technologies.
Fire
Uncontrolled fire can be frightening, but fire is critical to human existence. The first humans were able to control fire to create warmth and light, and it helped keep wild animals away while they were sleeping.
It is likely that the first humans had to use fire that was already burning, but they learned to create a campfire for comfort and safety. It developed into a social engagement as they could gather around it and enjoy time together. There is evidence that fire was used in stone hearths in South Africa around 1.5 million years ago.
Stone Age Tools
Stone Age tools that are from 25,000 to 50,000 years old have been found all over the world. They have found spear points, daggers, hand axes, choppers, scrapers, and more. People invented these tools to cut their meat, clear areas for safety, and hunt. They could clean animal hides for materials for clothing and shelter.
Other tools have been discovered that people used to dig roots up, peel bark, and remove animal skins. They made needles out of splinters from bones, and used them as fish hooks. They also make flakes out of flint that could cut deep into big game. The Cro-Magnons lived around 25,000 years ago, and they made bows and arrows, fish hooks, fish spears, and harpoons constructed from antlers and bones. They also hollowed out logs to make canoes. These were important advances for man.
Farm Technology
Farming advanced as technology made it possible. Inventions such as the plow made it possible for farmers to plant, and people could settle down in communities once farming became possible. They could control their food supply rather than relying on the hunt. Technology has always brought about widespread changes in how people exist and interact.