ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Mesopotamian science

Hey kiddo! Have you heard about Mesopotamia? It's an old civilization in the land between two rivers (Tigris and Euphrates). Let me tell you about Mesopotamian science, which is about how they figured things out in the olden days.

Back then, people didn't have the fancy gadgets we have today. They were still figuring out how to grow crops and build houses. But, they were really clever and curious, and they wanted to learn more about the world. Here are some areas where they made progress:

1. Astronomy: Mesopotamians looked up at the stars and planets at night and noticed that they moved in a pattern. They called them "wandering stars." They also figured out that the moon had cycles, and they made lunar calendars to mark the passage of time.

2. Mathematics: They used a numbering system that was based on the number 60, which we call the sexagesimal system. They were able to do complex calculations with it, and it was also used for measuring angles and time.

3. Medicine: Mesopotamians learned about medicinal plants and made ointments and potions to heal wounds and illnesses. They also performed surgeries to remove tumors and fix broken bones.

4. Engineering: They built irrigation systems to control water flow for crops and constructed structures such as ziggurats and temples.

5. Writing: They invented a system of writing called cuneiform, using a stylus to make wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets. This allowed them to record important information and communicate across long distances.

In summary, Mesopotamian science was about using observation and experimentation to figure out how the world worked. Even though they didn't have all the technology we have today, they made incredible advancements in areas such as astronomy, mathematics, medicine, engineering, and writing.