Try to think of history’s greatest influences! Let me guess, you’re thinking about human figures – like leaders, inventors, revolutionaries. Well, what if I told you that history’s most significant turning points come from animals?
That’s right! Animals are the ones that advanced empires, sparked revolutions, and did all the influencing work! They weren’t just passive bystanders.
Are you ready to meet these history-making legends? Let’s dive in and find out which animals reshaped the world!
1. Silkworms
We’ve read about it in history books, but I don’t believe we think about it very often. Don’t forget – these little creatures revolutionized global trade!
Silk originated in ancient China and helped establish one of the most important trading networks ever! All in all, silkworms didn’t just make fabric. Instead, they influenced cultural exchange and economies through the Silk Road!
And a fun fact: they even participated in espionage plots! People smuggled silkworm eggs to kickstart silk production in other places around the world, too!
2. Horses
A world without horses is unimaginable now. No brave knights, no fearless Mongol warriors, and certainly no epic rides into the sunset. Most tragically of all: no kiss scene in The Princess Bride!
Without horses, much of human history would look different! They played a crucial role in the expansion and dominance of many empires, after all.
Horses changed the way we fought, farmed, and traveled. In other words, they carried human history on their backs!
3. Sheep
They might seem like simple and cuddly farm animals at first glance. Yet, I’d argue that they’ve been changing history in silence!
Wool was a driving force behind trade and economic powerhouses for the agricultural revolution. Even England’s House of Lords placed a symbolic bag of wool to represent just how important it is! Can you believe that?
4. Mosquitoes
Changing history isn’t always a good thing, and mosquitoes are the proof. They’re small, but their impact is massive – in quite a negative way. Without ever picking up a weapon, these winged insects have decimated armies through disease.
Mosquitoes turned the tide of wars and changed the course of colonialism! Diseases they carry, like malaria and yellow fever, are still a huge issue in some parts of the world! Better take them seriously!
5. Dogs
Dogs have been faithful wingmen to humans since the dawn of civilization! They were the first animals to be domesticated, after all! In many ways, the world was shaped by a wagging tail and friendly bark!
Doggos were our hunting partners, protectors, guides, shepherd-helpers, you name it! But most important of all: they were the warmth during cold nights when we needed comfort from outside cruelties.
6. Cows
Cows transformed the world in more ways than you can count. We used everything these bovines have to offer: milk, meat, leather, and even their poop! Like, just how amazing are these animals?
Domestication of cows allowed humans to thrive. Although, let’s not forget the influence they had besides their meat: in some parts of the world, we shaped religious practices around them!