Inventions That Changed the World

The medieval era was not short of groundbreaking ideas. As we'll explore here important scientific leaps and popular new products were invented in this era, some of which remain important to this day.

The Printing Press

Date 11 ^th—15^th Century

Use: Publishing

Well before Johannes Gutenberg brought the idea of mass production of printed text to Europe with his Gutenberg Bible, the moveable type printing press was already in use in China. Before this, in Asia as in Europe, books were handwritten to be copied. In 1440 Gutenberg applied similar technology to mass produce books for the general public. Freeing up access to knowledge in a cheap and efficient way was a game changer.

Coffee

Date: 15^tlh Century

Use: Drink

The exact timing and origin of coffee bean cultivation is greatly disputed, but we can say with some confidence that by the 15th century coffee beans were being grown and roasted for the production of coffee in the Yemeni region of Arabia. From there it would spread to Egypt and eventually to Europe. First though it took root in the Near East where the stimulating drink became a popular alternative to alcohol. The secondary offshoot of coffee drinking became the spread of coffeehouses where men would meet to play games like chess as well as discuss politics, smoke and listen to music.

Gunpowder

Date: 10^th Century

Use: Entertainment, Firearms

The black powder was an incredibly important milestone for humanity. This relatively simple explosive mixture might be best known for its use in weapons and fireworks, but it also offered new means of mining for resources, which was a massive time — and energy-saving innovation. The formula originates in China where the mixture was first used for setting fires. The impact of this technology on the world of weaponry is well known to us now.

【小题1】What does the Printing Press and Gunpowder have in common?

A．They have similar uses.	B．They were related to China.
C．They appeared at the same period.	D．They were time-saving innovations.

【小题2】What was the impact of the Printing Press according to the passage?

A．It produced books in Europe.	B．It freed up lots of human labor.
C．It changed the game of printing.	D．It made knowledge accessible affordably.

【小题3】What did people in the Near East think of coffee?

A．Another choice to alcohol.	B．Means of mining for resources.
C．A place to meet and play games.	D．Important milestones for humanity.