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Mechanics and Our Ancestors

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Abstract

The earliest evidence of humans using mechanics is reviewed, including the development of stone weapons, cave painting, and calendars. Early calendars evolved into stone structures such as Stonehenge and Avebury. Language and numeric systems developed shortly thereafter. Around 3,800 BCE, the Egyptians established the longest surviving culture. Their accomplishments using mechanics included pyramids, tombs, temples, mummification, and obelisks. Massive structures built using mechanics in antiquity included the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World.

Yes, wonderful things.

Howard Carter (1874–1939), answering the query regarding what he saw on opening King Tut’s tomb

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Correspondence to David H. Allen .

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© 2014 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

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Allen, D.H. (2014). Mechanics and Our Ancestors. In: How Mechanics Shaped the Modern World. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01701-3_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01701-3_1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-01700-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-01701-3

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

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