Early discoveries refer to significant findings made by ancient civilizations that laid the groundwork for modern knowledge. For instance, the invention of the wheel by the Sumerians around 3500 BCE revolutionized transportation and trade. Similarly, the development of writing systems, such as cuneiform and hieroglyphics, allowed for the recording of history and communication. In addition to technological advancements, early discoveries in science and medicine were crucial. The Egyptians practiced early forms of surgery and documented medical knowledge on papyrus scrolls. Meanwhile, the Greeks made strides in philosophy and mathematics, with figures like Pythagoras and Aristotle shaping future intellectual thought.