A Brief History of Energy Use in Human Societies

Abstract

Energy has always been among the most essential resources that endorses the progress, evolution and prosperity of human societies. This chapter aspires to provide a brief overview of historical evolution of energy use by human beings, from the discovery of fire and the agricultural revolution, to the industrial revolution and the domination of fossil fuels. By using historical evidence and brief diagrams, the narration provides a synoptic description of the unique and continuous quest of mankind for energy resources, unveiling the crucial role that energy still plays in modern economic systems as being the essential fuel of the economic process.