Human beings have been creating tools and machines since their earliest beginnings on earth.This timeline shows some of the most important inventions in human history,from 2.4 million years ago through to the modern day.

EARLIEST TIMES:

2.4 million yrs ago The first simple stone tools are made by early human species.

1.6 million yrs ago Early humans learn how to use fire.

400,000 yrs ago The oldest known wooden tool, a spear from Germany,is made.  

 300,000yrs ago The oldest human structure,a simple hut made of  branches discovered by archaeologists in France,is built.  

10,000BC-5000BC:

C.10,000BC The earliest pots are made in Japan

C.9,000BC The first permanent houses are built, in the Middle East  

C.6,200BC The earliest known textiles are woven and the first copper tools and ornaments are made, both in Turkey 

5000BC-3500BC:                      

C.4500BC The plough is used for farming in the Middle East.

C.3650BC The first wheeled vehicles are in use,on the Russian steppes (grassy plains stretching thousands of miles into Asia).

C.3800BC Bronze,a tough metal alloy made by adding tin or arsenic to copper, is made for the first time in Middle East.  

C.3500BC The first sailing boats are used on the river Nile in Egypt. 

3500BC-1750BC:

C.3400BC The earliest writing system, making pictures and symbols on wet clay tablets, is used in the Middle East. 

C.3000BC Silk cloth is made in China.

C.2550BC The Great Pyramids are built at Giza in Egypt.  

C.1900BC The spoked wheel is invented in the Middle East.

1750BC-500BC:

C.1700BC Fast two-wheeled war chariots are invented in the Middle East. 

C.1600BC The first alphabet is devised by the Canaanites in the Middle East.

C.1500BC Iron tools and weapons and glass are made for the first time in the Middle East.

C.1100BC Iron ploughshares used in the Middle East.

C.800BC Iron-rimmed wheels are used for the first time in the Middle East.

500BC-1BC:

 C.500BC Scissors are used in Greece.

C.400BC The first cast iron is made in China.

280BC The Pharos lighthouse is built at Alexandra in Egypt. 

C.100BC The Romans develop a system of central heating.

 C.50BC Spread of Roman architecture based on the use of arches and concrete. 

AD1-1000: