The most important inventions were probably the early discovery of fire. Some people may argue this is not so much an invention but a discovery. I guess some early man had to invent a way of sparking a flame though.

The next most important invention in the development of man was the wheel. This enabled the development of transport and travel.

Paper, writing implements and later the printing press played a key role in the education and development of man.

In the eighteenth century the invention of the modern steam engine played a key role in the industrialisation and rapid growth of the world.

In the nineteenth century, there was a golden age of invention. Electricity and related devices transformed the world leading to a whole series of new machines and devices.

The twentieth century may be remembered as the atomic age. The development of nuclear power and nuclear energy. It was also the century which saw the development of the modern computer and internet.

See also:

• Inventions That Changed the World
• Modern Inventions That Changed the World
• Events That Changed the World


• Greatest Inventors of All Time


• Scientists

Which do you think has been the most important invention?