10 of the Oldest Inventions in Existence

There are so many incredible devices we use every single day that we tend to take for granted. While they didn’t always exist, we are thankful for the creative minds that designed and advanced these significant items for us.
Here is the list of the top 10 oldest inventions in existence:

1. The Oldest Instrument

Musical flutes have been around for a very long time. In fact they date back to the beginning of human existence and were often used for rituals and religious ceremonies. The oldest flute was designed at least 40,000 years ago, and was a pretty simple instrument.

Many early musical instruments were made from animal skins, bone, wood, and other non-durable materials. However, instruments evolved in the course of time, changing their shapes, melodies and compositions.

2. The Oldest Clothing

Clothing was another significant invention for human beings. The earliest clothing was likely made from animal fur, leather, leaves, and grass that were wrapped around the body. Early sewing needles were made from bone and ivory that date back as early as 30,000 B.C. While original clothing was cumbersome and deteriorated quickly, it helped human civilization as a form of protection.

The picture of above is the first pair of pants found in Western China. They are approximately 3,300 years old.

3. The Oldest Bra

The bra in the picture above was used between 1390 and 1485 A.D. in Austria. In fact, the four linen bras discovered in an old Austrian castle (in 2008) were even decorated with lace.

However, modern-day bras likely have roots in the Middle Ages.

While medieval writings have mentioned people wearing bra-like garments, there had not been tangible proof until recently.

4. Fire

Fire was an ancient scientific invention and is still considered one of the best discoveries that helped spur the development of human civilization. In fact, there is evidence revealing that it was used for cooking as early as 1.9 million years ago.

Fire was used as a source of heat and light as well as for cooking. It kept people warm in the cold weather, helping expand human settlement around the globe. Not to mention the fact that it was useful for warding off dangerous predators.

5. The Oldest Prosthetic

The oldest known prosthetic device in existence is also one of the smallest. Scientists have discovered a wooden prosthetic toe found in mummified remains in Cairo, which date back to around 950 B.C.

The prosthetic in the image above was used to help someone in Egypt walk again. Tests conducted on the device prove that it was a working and practical prosthetic.

6. The Oldest Condom

The oldest condom is actually the oldest form of birth control recorded. The first version dates back thousands of years. Egyptian paintings show that the condom was used as far back as 950 B.C.

The reusable sheepskin condom shown in the image above was used in 1640 A.D. in Sweden. It came with instructions to clean it with warm milk to prevent users from contracting STD’s.

7. The Oldest Shoe

The world’s oldest shoe was discovered by archaeologists in a cave in Armenia, and is approximately 5,500 years old. This leather shoe is believed to be the oldest in the world.

The image above is a right-footed moccasin-type shoe, roughly a size 7 in women’s. It was preserved by grass and sheep dung. The left shoe has not been found.

8. The Oldest Weapons

Weapons were another critical invention in the development of human civilization.
Archaeologists have discovered eight extremely well-preserved spears that are approximately 300,000 years old, making them the oldest known weapons to have ever been found.
The important ancient weaponry included the: spear, bow and arrow, sling, sword, club, ax, knife, and catapult.
The development of weaponry has been crucial in the ability for humans to fight off wild animals, making humans less vulnerable to the dangers of nature.

9. The Oldest Compass

This significant device has been used to help people navigate for centuries. Its invention has been credited to China, probably first made during the Han Dynasty between the 2nd century B.C. and the 1st Century A.D.

The first compasses were made of loadstone, a mineral composed of iron oxide, which aligns itself in a north-south direction.

The earliest compasses were designed on a square slab, which had marking for cardinal points and the constellations. Later, magnetized needed were used as direction pointers.

10. The Oldest Flushing Toilet

The oldest “flushing” toilets were discovered in Ephesus, an ancient city in Turkey. Running water below the seats carried away waste into a nearby river.

The toilets above are approximately 2,000 years old.