Was warfare an essential part of progress and development in the ancient world?

Question

Thank you for your help :)

Answer 1

Yes.

Competition inspires innovation and what could be more

competitive than war.

The ages are even named for this.

The first four thousand years of human history are generally divided into the stone age, bronze age, and iron age which are named for the materials their weapons were made from.

Answer 2

yes, development of weapons would lead to other advancements in the ancient world, but just like today everything has a military use.

Answer 3

No it was a constant enemy to progress and

development, causing terrible set-backs and

loss of life.

Answer 4

No.  Warfare was a major impediment of progress and development.  With the abundance of slaves gained through wars, there was very little need to build water wheels (not to mention steam engines).  Machines were only acceptable where slaves were not allowed.  Hero of Alexandria invented and built a steam engine, which was used... to open doors in a temple (!!!); his water wheels and windmills were used largely to power organs and stage equipment in theaters.

Additionally, warfare delayed the onset of the use of metals in agriculture by centuries; due to high demand for swords and other weapons, metals were expensive, so very few, if any, farmers could afford a metal tip for a plow and had to make do with implements made entirely of wood...