Posted on: 02. 28. 23
While modern society often takes oil and gas for granted, the truth is that petroleum is a versatile resource that has been around for centuries.
In fact, ancient civilizations in China and Greece used petroleum products in their everyday lives. Let’s explore how these civilizations used petroleum and the importance it played in their culture.
The Ancient Chinese and Petroleum
The earliest record of petroleum use comes from China during the 4th century BC. The Chinese were known to use natural gas to boil salt water and distill it to produce kerosene and seasoning for food.
The Chinese were also one of the first civilizations to simplify oil transportation. They regularly created pipelines from bamboo to transport natural gas that powered their capital cities.
The Ancient Greeks & Petroleum
In Ancient Greece, the famous physician Hippocrates prescribed a mix of tar, pitch, and sulfur to treat skin diseases like psoriasis.
This concoction was believed to reduce inflammation or even cure cancerous lesions by causing a wound-like reaction on the skin to help kill off diseased cells.
The Greeks are also believed to have obtained asphalt from Lake Asphaltites ( The Dead Sea) in Syria, which they would then use for caulk boats or build roads.
The Persians Believe Crude Oil Contained Medicinal Properties
While the ancient Greeks turned to oil for medicinal practices, they weren’t the only budding civilization to do so.
The ancient Persians believed that crude oil had a range of medical benefits, from alleviating pain to healing skin and treating digestive issues. They would apply the oil directly on the skin to treat muscle soreness and joint pain.
The compounds in crude oil were believed to be beneficial for overall health and well-being. The Persians also thought that this natural substance had powerful anti-inflammatory effects and could be used to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Oil was Often Used as a Waterproofing Agent
In ancient times, crude oil was also commonly used as a waterproofing agent. The Persians would use it to water-proof items such as clothing, leather, and even boats.
When applied to fabric or leather items, the oil would form an impenetrable barrier against water. Additionally, the oil could be mixed with wax to create a thicker coating that was even more waterproof.
The Ancient Greeks and Romans were also known to use oil for waterproofing purposes such as protecting their ships’ wooden hulls from water damage. They discovered that applying a mixture of crude oil and beeswax offered better protection than either constituent alone. This helped keep their vessels seaworthy for longer periods of time.
The waterproofing properties of crude oil have been known for centuries. They are still used in modern times in various forms of industrial and consumer products ranging from building materials to personal care products.
How Will Future Generations Look Back on Our Petroleum Use?
It’s incredible to think about how advanced our ancestors were when it came to using petroleum products for everyday items like medicine or construction materials! While we may not be able to replicate their success now due to environmental regulations, we can certainly appreciate the innovation they brought forth!
Thanks to them, we now have access to a variety of uses for this versatile resource! It’s also funny to think that someday in the distant future, people will study how our societies put oil and gas to good use.
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