From the dawn of time, humanity has consistently developed and adapted to the world around us. This journey, marked by distinct civilizations, has seen an evolution not just in cultural, political, and social structures, but also in the building materials used to construct these societies. Here is an overview of different civilizations, their timelines, and their typical building materials.
How Bricks shaped the world
In the articles below we look at specific civilizations and key points in history to see how the building materials changed to meet the construction demands of the time.
- Ancient Mesopotamia
(3500 BCE - 539 BCE) - Ancient Egypt
(3100 BCE - 30 BCE) - Ancient Indus
(3300 BCE - 1300 BCE) - Ancient China
(1600 BCE - 221 BCE) - Ancient Greece
(800 BCE - 146 BCE) - Ancient Rome
(753 BCE - 476 CE) - Ancient Persia
(550 BCE - 651 CE) - Ancient India
(2600 BCE - 550 CE) - Mayan Civilization
(2000 BCE - 1500 CE) - Aztec Civilization
(1300 CE - 1521 CE) - Inca Empire
(1438 CE - 1533 CE) - Byzantine Empire
(330 CE - 1453 CE) - Medieval Europe
(476 CE - 1500 CE) - Islamic Caliphates
(622 CE - 1258 CE) - Mongol Empire
(1206 CE - 1368 CE) - Renaissance
(14th century - 17th century) - Ottoman Empire
(1299 CE - 1922 CE) - Mughal Empire
(1526 CE - 1857 CE) - Qing Dynasty
(1644 CE - 1912 CE) - Industrial Revolution
(18th - 19th century) - British Empire
(17th - 20th century) - Russian Empire
(1721 CE - 1917 CE) - American Revolution
(1765 CE - 1783 CE) - French Revolution
(1789 CE - 1815 CE) - Meiji Era
(1868 CE - 1912 CE) - World War I
(1914 CE - 1939 CE) - World War II
(1939 CE - 1945 CE) - Cold War
(1947 CE - 1991 CE) - Post Colonial Era
(mid-20th century) - Contemporary Era
(late 20th century) - Kings, Queens, and Sovereigns of England
(495 CE - present)
Prehistoric Age: Before 3000 BC
In the prehistoric age, which includes the Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Bronze Age, humans were nomadic and lived in temporary shelters made from materials readily available in nature. These included animal skins, bones, wood, and mud.
Ancient Egyptian Civilization: 3100 BC - 332 BC
The ancient Egyptians used sun-baked mud bricks in the majority of their structures. Stones, particularly limestone, were used for the construction of pyramids, temples, and tombs.
Indus Valley Civilization: 3300 BC - 1300 BC
This civilization was known for its advanced urban planning. Burnt bricks, a superior version of sun-dried mud bricks, were commonly used. They also used wood and reeds.
Ancient Chinese Civilization: 1600 BC - 1046 BC
The ancient Chinese used rammed earth and wood for the majority of their structures. The Great Wall was initially built using rammed earth before bricks and stones were later introduced.
Ancient Greek Civilization: 800 BC - 146 BC
The Greeks primarily used locally sourced limestone and marble for their buildings. Mud bricks were also used for common structures, but less so for significant buildings.
Roman Civilization: 753 BC - 476 AD
Roman construction evolved from the Greek, using more diverse materials. These included concrete, faced with stone or brick, and a type of high-quality limestone called travertine. They also perfected the use of baked clay bricks.
Islamic Golden Age: 8th Century - 14th Century
This period saw extensive use of bricks, especially in regions like Mesopotamia where stone was scarce. They also made use of mud, wood, and baked clay bricks.
Middle Ages: 5th Century - 15th Century
Wood was commonly used in the Middle Ages, but stone buildings became increasingly popular. Bricks were also used more as the period progressed, particularly in regions where stone was scarce.
Renaissance: 14th Century - 17th Century
The Renaissance saw a return to classical Greco-Roman styles, with stone, particularly marble, being a favored material. Brick and timber were also used.
Industrial Revolution: 1760 - 1840
The Industrial Revolution brought mass production of bricks and the development of new materials like concrete and steel, revolutionizing construction.
Modern Era: 20th Century to Present
Modern construction uses a wide range of materials including steel, concrete, and a variety of synthetic materials, in addition to traditional brick and wood. Green building materials have also risen in popularity.
Each civilization, while shaped by its unique societal and cultural forces, has left its mark in the bricks, stones, and other materials used to construct their world. This timeline provides a brief overview of this ongoing, ever-evolving journey.