What are some little-known but mind-blowing facts about ancient civilizations?

 Here are some little-known but mind-blowing facts about ancient civilizations:

• The Indus Valley Civilization had a working sewage system. The Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished in what is now Pakistan and northwest India from around 3300 to 1300 BCE, had a complex and sophisticated sewage system that was far ahead of its time. The system consisted of underground drains that carried waste away from cities and towns, and it is thought to have been one of the first such systems in the world.
  Opens in a new windowThe Archaeologist

  Indus Valley Civilization sewage system
• The ancient Egyptians used toothpaste. The ancient Egyptians were actually quite advanced when it came to dental care. They used a paste made from a mixture of crushed bones, eggshells, and ox hooves to clean their teeth. The paste was believed to have antiseptic properties, and it is thought to have helped to prevent tooth decay.
  Opens in a new windowNatch Labs

  ancient Egyptians toothpaste
• The ancient Greeks had a working democracy. The ancient Greeks are often credited with inventing democracy, and they certainly had a system of government that was far more democratic than anything that existed in the rest of the world at the time. In Athens, the citizens of the city-state could vote on important matters, and they could also hold elected office.
  Opens in a new windowWikipedia

  ancient Greeks democracy
• The ancient Maya had a sophisticated understanding of astronomy. The ancient Maya were experts in astronomy, and they used their knowledge of the stars and planets to create calendars, predict eclipses, and even map the night sky. They also built massive temples and pyramids that were aligned with astronomical features, such as the sun and the moon.
  Opens in a new windowScience

  ancient Maya astronomy
• The ancient Chinese invented gunpowder. Gunpowder was invented in China in the 9th century CE, and it quickly spread to other parts of the world. Gunpowder was used for a variety of purposes, including fireworks, weapons, and mining. It is one of the most important inventions in human history, and it has had a profound impact on the development of warfare and technology.
  Opens in a new windowBrown University

  ancient Chinese gunpowder

These are just a few of the many mind-blowing facts about ancient civilizations. These civilizations were incredibly advanced for their time, and they made many important contributions to human knowledge and culture.