In Scotland, We Call That...

Inventions are cool. Sliced bread was brilliant. The internet was better. But really, what got us to where we are now the most? Fire, no? But after, say, 10,000 B.C. (none of that BCE nonsense.), fire was so commonplace that it really didn't affect us that much. So which doodad created civilization as we know it? The spear. Yup. A wee pointy stick.

Consider the Following:

1300's BC: The Assyrian infantry and bowmen carve civilization throughout the Middle East and, in effect, everywhere. What was the Assyrian infantryman's weapon of choice?

490/480 BC: The Athenian democracy is in its infancy. Persian forces swarm to snuff out the basis for modern goverment. What item, so masterfully used in tandem with a shield, saved the Athenians from annihilation?

201 BC-117 AD: The Roman Empire crushes all resistance to form a mighty empire. What item, adapted for throwing, helped the legionaries defend the empire and save Christianity, Latin numerals and languages?

1400's-1500's: Swiss mercenaries, along with archaic firearms, equipped with what elongated pole weapon, end the role of knights in Europe and help make the Modern Age?

1700's-1800's: What weapon served as a prototype for an attachment for the musket that helped the likes of Napoleon make their infantry even more dangerous, and therefor, create states that last until today?

And there it is. One guy, one Wikipedia shortcut, one rudimentary knowledge of history, makes for one post that most people will never read. Uh, booyah...

-By the way, something of similar innovative...ness is underway and will at some point (Tomorrow? Next year?) be implemented. Stay tuned!