John Michoian 10/27/14

Ancient civilizations have made many advances in technology, communication and social

organization. They have improved modern-day life dramatically.

The advances in technology made by ancient civilizations have improved life in many ways

today. The Sumerians introduced the wheeled vehicle to the world. In their times, it made trading

and transporting people and goods easier. Today, wheeled vehicles help us to continue with the

same processes. The Hittites administered the world iron working. Iron working helped their

military reign their area with superior weapons. Ironworking has additionally played a great part

in the industrial revolution.

Ancient civilizations have also founded advances in communication that still takes a big role in

society today. The Phoenicians produced the idea of an alphabet system. This alphabet system

made reading and writing more straightforward because it required fewer characters to learn.

Today all western languages are based on a system of alphabet. The Assyrians, ironically with

their strenuous state of being, invented the library. Libraries provided them with a place to keep a

great deal of information with easy accessibility and the same concept still applies for why

libraries are very important today.

Lastly, ancient civilizations have made extravagant advances in social organization that are still

useful today. The Lydians had the idea of coined money for an economy. The money system

replaced bartering and is now the basis of the world economy. The Babylonians made a not so

comprehensive code of law. Hammurabi’s code brought serenity throughout Mesopotamia, and

laws are now expected from a functioning government.

In those three aspects, modern life has been greatly affected by ancient civilizations. With props

to the Sumerians, Phoenicians, Hittites, Lydians, Babylonians and the Assyrians, technology is

more advanced. Communication is easier and society is more organized.