Significant Developments of Ancient Civilizations

Throughout history many civilizations have made great advancements among their own societies. From the Mesopotamians and ancient Egyptians to the Mycenaeans, many developments by these peoples have contributed to their places in our history books. Developments such as writing, agriculture, military, and transportation vehicles have come from these civilizations, but perhaps the two most significant developments of these ancient societies are metallurgy and organized religion. The development of bronze was significant because it allowed for stronger weapons and tools, which made it possible for the people to both, protect their land and farm it more efficiently. By discovering that smelting copper and tin would produce bronze, a much more durable metal alloy, the Mesopotamians ushered in the Bronze Age. The introduction of bronze enabled blacksmiths to better swords, daggers, and spears that now hold a razors edge and retain it much longer (Hunt, 13). This is significant because the Akkadians, during the Ur III Dynasty, used these upgraded weapons to conquer their neighbors and win glory and wealth (Hunt, 12). The need for the ingredients to make bronze also led to the Akkadians starting wars to capture territory containing ore mines that were not present in their land. Along with improved weaponry the development of bronze allowed for the tools to be made stronger. These new tools improved agriculture, such as with the plough, which now allowed farmers to cultivate their land much more efficiently. Although the development of bronze had a practical purpose in both the work place, and on the battlefield, it also played a significant role in social stratification in the Akkadian society. As bronze was a much stronger metal it now allowed skilled metalworkers to incorporate lavish inlays directly onto their swords and daggers with out causing structural weak points in the blades. The wealthy took advantage of this and used it to publicly display their social