Seven Inventions That Changed Our Lives

The wheel – 8000-6400 B.C.

Considered by many the most important invention of History, it is still a mystery where and when was the wheel invented. According to most archaeologists it was created between 8000 and 6400 B.C in Asia. The most ancient sign of the wheel on vehicles is the design of a cart on a sheet of clay that belongs to the Sumerian civilization, from 3500 B.C. Although it has become fundamental in the development of transport, the firsts wheels, made in wood, were potter’s wheels.

Condom – 1000 B.C.

Introduced by the Egyptians for over 3000 years, it arrived to Europe one millennium later. It was the Italian gynaecologist Gabriele Falloppio who, for the first time, recommended the use of condoms to combat syphilis. The oldest signs of a condom from 1640 were found in the Dudley Castle in the United Kingdom. Back them they were made from parts of the large intestine of animals. The latex condom was only patented in 1916 by Julius Fromm.

Clockwork – 1280 

Clocks are everywhere, in our wrists, in our cell phones, in the car… Gone are the days where sun clocks were used. Clockworks revolutionized the control of time and appeared in Europe in the final years of the 13th century to control the time of rituals in religious institutions. The famous pendulum has only emerged in the 17th century, but has been replaced by electric by electronic clocks, more accurate.

Eyeglasses – 1265

Eyeglasses appeared in the 13th century and his author is unknown. However the invention is associated to Robert Grosseteste and Roger Bacon. Today they are indispensable to everyone with eye problems.

Printed Book – 1455

Until the invention of printing press by Gutenberg, in 1440, books were an exclusive luxury of the clergy and academic elites. The first book printed was the Bible. Printing press revolutionized knowledge and society, serving as an instrument for the emancipation of the people.

Car – 1769

The first vehicle was made by the French engineer Joseph Cugnot for military use. It was Henry Ford who, in 1893, started the mass production of cars.

Telephone – 1876

Until recently it was believed that it had been invented by Alexander Bell, but he recognized that he only improved the work of Antonio Meucci, who introduced him to the public in 1860. The first call, however, only happened in 1876 between Bell and his assistant Watson. The telephone has allowed people to stay in touch even when they had an ocean in between. Ever wonder what life would be without phone? So imagine how it has changed our lives …