Transportation history timeline

By aab102
  • The Egyptians begin using wooden ships.
    2700 BCE

    The Egyptians begin using wooden ships.

    Made for trade by sea.
  • The Compass is invented in Europe.
    12 BCE

    The Compass is invented in Europe.

    The rudder comes into use in Europe. However on land roads are just dirt tracks.
  • A vast network of roads exists across the Roman Empire.
    1 BCE

    A vast network of roads exists across the Roman Empire.

    Roman merchant ships carry up to 1,000 tons of cargo. 1st century AD
  • Goods are transported by pack horse.

    Goods are transported by pack horse.

    Goods are also transported around the coast of Britain by ship.
  • Charles I allows the public to pay his messengers to carry letters.

    Charles I allows the public to pay his messengers to carry letters.

    It is the beginning of the Royal Mail.
  • The first turnpike roads open.

    The first turnpike roads open.

    Turnpikes are privately owned and maintained but you have to pay to use them. Their name comes from an old word for a gate, pike. In towns the wealthy are carried by sedan chairs.
  • The hot air balloon is created.

    The hot air balloon is created.

    The hydrogen balloon is also invented.
  • Steamships are invented

    Steamships are invented

    They begin crossing the English Channel.
  • The first passenger railway opens

    The first passenger railway opens

  • The first hansom cab is made.

    The first hansom cab is made.

    Made in Hinckley
  • This is the great age of railway building.

    This is the great age of railway building.

    A network is built across Britain.
  • The first underground railway opens.

    The first underground railway opens.

    Opened in London, on it carriages are pulled by steam trains.
  • The car is invented

    The car is invented

  • Electric trams begin running in many towns

    Electric trams begin running in many towns

  • Planes begin carrying passengers.

    Planes begin carrying passengers.

    between London and Paris
  • Electric trams are replaced by buses

    Electric trams are replaced by buses

  • The first zebra crossing is made

    The first zebra crossing is made