V. TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATIONS 600 C.E.–1450
Once again, it is interaction that leads to innovation. This period is marked by expanding trade, expanding empires and expanding interactions. All lead to increased wealth, frequent cultural borrowing, and the development of new ideas. Many of these new innovations came from the eastern societies–China and India, filtered through the Islamic world. By 1450, most of these new ideas had made their way back to Europe, following the Crusaders, merchants, and missionaries.
Islamic World |
China |
paper mills (from China) |
gunpowder cannons |
universities |
moveable type |
astrolabe and sextant |
paper currency |
algebra (from Greece) |
porcelain |
chess (from India) |
terrace farming |
modern soap formula |
water-powered mills |
guns and cannons (from China) |
cotton sails |
mechanical pendulum clock |
water clock |
distilled alcohol |
magnetic compass |
surgical instruments (syringe etc.) |
state-run factories |
In addition to ideas that began to move around the world, trade networks moved agricultural products. Some of these would result in great environmental changes, influence trade networks, and motivate exploration and conquest.