Here are 36 inventions during the Middle Ages [500-1500], which do not include scientific, philosophical, medicinal, or naturalist innovations. This list is derived only from the spheres of agriculture, the military, and civilian usage.
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List of Inventions in the Middle Ages |
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Names of Medieval Inventions |
Description of Medieval Inventions |
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Almanacs |
Almanacs forecast precisely where the the sun, moon, planets and selected navigational stars, are going to be, hour by hour, for years into the future, the ancients never did discover what the Medieval Christians using math and science were able to establish regarding calendaring, feast days, elliptical planet cycles and the earth's rotation. |
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Armor |
The complexity of Medieval armour is astounding as is the craftsmanship and cost involved |
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Artesian wells |
The invention of Artesian wells eliminated the need for pumping |
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Astrolabes |
Astrolabe was used for used for astronomical purposes and calculating latitudes and was based on earlier Greek models |
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Chainmail |
Chainmail armor was further developed in the Middle Ages providing protection against spears and swords with its origins dating back to the Gauls and Celts |
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Clock |
The invention of the clock provided a closer structure to daily life [includes both the water and mechanical clock] |
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Compass |
The compass enabled Medieval sailors and explorers to sail further from land and explore uncharted waters |
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Cross-staffs |
Cross-staffs were used to measure the angle of the Sun or a star above the horizon |
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Gunpowder |
Gunpowder led to the invention of the cannon and was originally imported from China |
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Horse collar |
The invention of the horse collar increased farming efficiency in the Middle Ages as did the substitution of horses for oxes; and 3 field rotation |
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Horseshoes |
A necessary adjunct to productive usage of the horse |
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Hour glass |
The Hour-glass was a valuable measurement tool used in many daily tasks |
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Mills |
Mills were built to pump water, grind grain, and crush ore and revolutionized industry, and food production |
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Minute Glass |
Minute-glass was another timekeeping instrument invented in the Middle Ages |
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Moldboard Plough |
TThe Moldboard turning plough increased farming efficiency and land productivity |
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Nocturnals |
Nocturnals were used for measuring and timekeeping instrument, the Medieval obsession with time stemmed from conceptions about work, productivity, the seasons, feast days, faith-days and trade |
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Numbering System |
Hindu numerals were used which greatly abetted literacy, book-keeping and record keeping |
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Oars |
The use of oars made the galley ships redundant allowing movement into the open seas |
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Paper |
Paper was introduced in the 1200's imported from China and replacing the very expensive and laborious manufacture of parchment [tanned and beaten sheep or cow skin] |
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Printing Press |
Mechanization of printing in the mid 15th century was a major milestone in society affecting literacy, education, science, laws, record keeping etc. |
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Quadrants |
Quadrants were used for measuring and timekeeping instrument |
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Siege weapons |
Siege weapon inventions were brought from the crusades to Europe and changed Medieval warfare |
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Silk Manufacture |
Silk imported from China and adapted in Europe, was a luxurious addition to European clothing |
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Spectacles/Magnifying devices |
Spectacles were a major medical advancement in the Middle Ages as were the telescope and other magnifying devices |
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Stirrups |
Stirrups gave the rider greater control and allowed cavalry to use bows and arrows, or charge with lances, originally imported from the Mongols |
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Sun dial |
The Sun-dial was another timekeeping instrument invented in the Middle Ages premised on Greek designs in Alexandria |
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The Bit and Bridle |
The Bit and Bridle was used for controlling the massive destrier warhorses essential for heavy combat |
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The Crossbow |
Invented in France, the crossbow applied engineering to the short bow |
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The Flail |
The invention of the Flail was used as armor-fighting weapons |
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The high-backed saddle |
The high-backed saddle gave Medieval knights great leverage and allowed heavy cavalry to be employed with devastating effect |
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The Lance |
The Lance was long, strong, spear-like weapon, designed for use for knights on horseback and was a fearsome military weapon |
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The Longbow |
The invention of the longbow enabled skilled English longbowman to release between 10 - 12 arrows per minute |
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The Rudder |
Rudder enabled the use of Wind and Water Power to propel ships, obviating the need for oared craft |
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Traverse Boards |
Traverse boards were navigation instruments, and were an older version of the Astrolabe |
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Wheelbarrow |
The invention of the wheelbarrow allowed faster movement of heavy loads over short distances |
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Windmills |
The invention of the windmill harnessed wind power to produce not only food, but to drain marshy/water areas to reclaim arable land |
Nowhere will we find a list comparable to the above from any other culture including the 'scientific age' of the 17th century, which included witch-burnings, a belief in abiogenesis and a constant desperate refutation of the scientific works from Christian scholastics, setting back math and science by at least 2 generations. The Middle Ages were a hard time to live and we can't romanticize the period. But between the invasions of the Northmen, the Moslems [everyone's favourite civilized cult it appears], the Magyars, and the constant internecine, inter-state conflict; it is a wonder that Europe survived in any form, with any civilization whatsoever. It was not a dark age, but an age of turmoil, change, progression, some regression, innovation and most importantly an era of faith married with science.