Although the Middle Ages is known as a backward period in history, many inventions greatly changed the lives of the European people.
| Year Developed | Invention |
| 700 | Stirrups - The first stirrups was invented in the far East in about the second century BC. They reached Western Europe in the eighth century by way of Byzantium. |
| 900 | Horseshoes |
| 900 | Horsecollar - followed by the moldboard turning plow in the 11th century, vastly improved agricultural output |
Wheelbarrow - developed after the horsecollar and stirrup. With a wheelbarrow man could move several times his own weight. |
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Four-Wheeled Wagon |
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| 1180 | Rudder |
Wind and Water Power - were being used more and more for power. Mills were built to pump water, grind grain, and crush ore. |
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| 1185 | Windmill - the earliest written record of a windmill's existence in England is a rental note for a mill in Weedly, Yorkshire dated 1185 |
| 1200 | Wheelbarrow |
| 1270 | Paper - manufactured in Italy |
Spinning Wheel - brought to Europe, probably from India in the 13th century, made homespun clothing available to all. Before this invention spinning thread had been done by hand. The spinning wheel was foot powered. |
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| 1283 | Magnetic Compass |
| 1285 | Eyeglasses - made in Italy |
| 1320 | Small Cannon - invented after gunpowder was brought to Europe from China |
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