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Period: 476 to Dec 31, 1453
Beginning to End of the Middle Ages
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Jan 1, 700
Stirrups
The first stirrups were invented in the far East in about the second century BC. They reached Western Europe in the eighth century by way of Byzantium. -
Jan 1, 1180
Rudder
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Jan 2, 1180
Wind and Water Power
Wind and Water were used more and more for power. Mills were built to pump water, grind grain, and crush ore. -
Jan 1, 1185
Windmill
The earliest written record of a windmill's existence in England is a rental note for a mill in Weedly, Yorkshire dated 1185 -
Jan 1, 1200
Wheelbarrow
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Jan 1, 1270
Paper
Manufactured in Italy. -
Jan 2, 1270
Spinning Wheel
Brought to Europe, probably from India in the 13th century, made homespun clothing available to all. Before this invention, spinning thread had been done by hand. The spinning wheel was foot powered.
Date is not known. -
Jan 1, 1283
Magnetic Compass
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Jan 1, 1285
Eyeglasses
Made in Italy. -
Jan 1, 1320
Small Cannon
Invented gunpowder was brought to Europe from China. -
Horseshoes
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Horsecollar
Followed by the moldboard turning plow in the 11th century, vastly improved agricultural output. -
Wheelbarrow
Developed after the horsecollar and stirrup. With a wheelbarrow, man could move several times his own.
Date is not known. -
Four-Wheeled Wagon
Date is not known.