Hidden Technology Of The Old World (It’s Everywhere)

Howdy. Today I want to focus on a rather broadly defined topic; ancient technology. From the earliest days of recorded history, mankind was utilizing various forms of technology to sustain itself. Yet, throughout history, numerous technologies have seemingly risen and fallen without ever being properly developed or defined, while in other instances we have the most basic of technology, like the infrastructure of ancient cities, which is glossed over in history books. In the end, they are all forms of technology.

Sparking my interest on the topic was a rather unique collection of photographs, described as the first detailed photographs of Myanmar, dated to roughly 1887 through 1895.

While not the oldest images in my vast assortment of Old World photographs, these images do immediately beg certain questions - especially when we consider the technological aspect of what we are viewing. How was it built? We’re told using primarily hand-tools and cart animals. Where are all the people? These areas are secluded, often occupied only by the monks that maintain the ancient structure. What were these structures utilized for?

The deeper we dive into these photographs, the more apparent it becomes that the previous society was much more advanced than they have been given credit for, and these photographs truly should open your eyes to the possibilities (and the technology) of the Old World.

Topics discussed today:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Myanmar

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recorded_history

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyu_city-states

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theravada

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pagan_Kingdom

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandalay_Palace

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_photography

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felice_Beato