Then and Now - Achievements

Achievements of the

Achievements of the

Middle Ages

Middle Ages

Bushido and the Samurai Code

The Way of the Warrior

Bushido, meaning "the way of the warrior," was the code of honor followed by the samurai in Japan. It emphasized values like loyalty, bravery, discipline, and respect. Samurai lived by this code, guiding how they fought and how they lived their daily lives.

What codes emphasize loyalty, respect, and discipline with ideas about honor and leadership today?

Roman Roads

The Backbone of an Empire

Roman roads were an amazing invention that helped people travel and trade across the Roman Empire. They were built with layers of stone, gravel, and sand to make them strong and long-lasting. Even in the Middle Ages, people still used these roads to move goods, send messages, and travel safely.

What type of system connects people today, allowing them to travel quickly and easily?

Libraries of Timbuktu

A Treasure of Knowledge

The libraries of Timbuktu were filled with thousands of books and manuscripts about science, math, medicine, and more. People from all over West Africa came to study and share ideas. These libraries made Timbuktu a center of learning and knowledge during the Middle Ages.

What place today collects books and information for everyone to learn from?

Mayan Calendar

Measuring Time with Precision

The Mayan calendar was a complex system used to track time, plan agricultural activities, and schedule important ceremonies. It included multiple cycles, such as the 365-day solar calendar and a 260-day ceremonial calendar, showing the Mayans' deep understanding of astronomy and mathematics.

What do we use today to track days and seasons?

Decimal Number System

Counting Made Easy

The decimal number system, developed in South Asia, introduced the numbers 0 through 9 and made calculations much easier. It also brought the concept of zero, which was a big idea that changed how people did math. This system became the foundation for math all over the world.

What careers today rely on this system of math, including the important idea of zero?

Paper Money

Changing the Way We Trade

Paper money was invented in China during the Tang and Song dynasties as a lightweight and easy way to trade instead of carrying heavy coins. It made buying and selling goods much faster and more convenient.

What systems do we use today other than paper money in exchange for goods and services?

Gunpowder

A Revolutionary Invention

Gunpowder, invented in China during the Tang dynasty, was originally used for fireworks and later changed the way wars were fought. It made weapons like cannons and guns possible, and it also helped with engineering projects like mining and construction.

What inventions use gunpowder or gunpower-like materials in modern construction and celebrations today?

The Printing Press

Spreading Ideas

The printing press was a major invention that made it much easier to print books and share information. Before it was invented, people had to copy everything by hand, which took a long time. The printing press allowed books and ideas to spread quickly, helping more people learn to read and share knowledge.

What invention today lets us create printed materials easily and share information, just like the printing press did long ago?

Gold and Salt Trade

The Wealth of West Africa

During the Middle Ages, West Africa became rich through the trade of gold and salt. Gold was used to make coins and jewelry, while salt was so valuable that people called it "white gold" because it was essential for preserving food. These trade routes connected West Africa to Europe and the Middle East, spreading wealth and culture.

What system today allows people around the world to buy, sell, and trade goods?

Algebra

Solving Problems with Numbers

Algebra, developed by mathematicians in the Arabian Peninsula, was a new way to solve problems using numbers and symbols. It helped people figure out important things like building projects, trade calculations, and scientific discoveries. The word "algebra" even comes from an Arabic word that means "reunion of broken parts."

What careers today use letters and symbols to solve problems?