Table of Contents
Introduction
People in the oil and gas industry always have this question ” Who Discovered Oil ? “. With the discovery of crude oil often referred to as Black Gold marks a golden moment in human civilization, global industrialization, global automotive sector and energy producing sector. The global economy has also taken new high after the discovery crude oil.
While there are records which state that, oil seepages have been known and used by early humans for thousands of years. Systematic oil extraction, purification and distribution marks a new feet in human and technological advancement.
Who Discovered Oil
Ancient civilizations knew the importance of natural oil seepages. The history of oil traces back to 3000 B.C. By then many civilizations namely Sumerians and Egyptians used oil for various purposes such as waterproofing boats, Medicinal applications and construction purposes.
Records also prove that, in Mesopotamia Bitumen a semi solid form of petroleum was also used in building purposes. Around 600 B.C the Chinese were using drilling wells to extract brine, which also made them encounter Natural Gas and Crude Oil.
These early discoveries, was not the beginnings of the modern day complex oil and gas industry but however it clearly demonstrated humanity awareness of crude oils existence.
Modern Day Oil Discovery
The beginning of modern day oil and gas industry can be traced to mid 19th century. Edwin Drake also know as ” Father Of Petroleum Industry ” drilled the first oil well in Titusville, Pennsylvania in the year 1859. Edwin used a steam engine to power his drilling machine, the first success was achieved when he struck oil at a depth of 69 feet.
These historical discoveries, marked the transition from dependency on natural oil seepages to well organized and systematic drilling and oil production. Drake’s oil discovery laid the foundation of an industry that completely revolutionized the global economy and it laid a significant step in the energy production.
After Drake’s oil discovery, it was the first time that human race got to know that oil can be extracted in bulk and processed for further use making it a dependable source of energy.
Other Oil Discoveries Around The World
While Drake’s oil discovery is highly acknowledged around the globe, but there are other regions across the globe where oil was discovered and have significantly contributed to the overall oil and gas industry. Lets discuss them in detail.
Azerbaijan
In the 19th century, Baku the capital of Azerbaijan became a global oil hub. Nobel brothers and Rothschild family played a key role in industrializing the oil and gas industry in this region.
Canada
It was in the year 1858, a year prior to Drake’s oil discovery Mr. James Miller Williams drilled oil wells in Oil Springs region in Ontario. This makes Canada a top contender for the birthplace of modern oil industry.
Middle East Region
The discovery of oil in Iran in the year 1908 by Anglo Persian Oil Company ( BP ) marked the beginning of the Middle East dominance in global oil production and geopolitics.
Global Impact Of Oil Discovery
History tells that, the discovery of oil has impacted the global economy, it has fueled industrial economy, machinery and transportation sectors. Countries rich in oil resources such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar use their oil and gas resources as a weapon for geopolitical influence.
Technological advancements in oil and gas industry have impacted the oil and gas business and streamlined it. This has increased the overall efficiency.
Conclusion
While the discovery of natural oil seepages dates back to 3000 B.C but embraced a great transformation after Drake’s oil discovery in Pennsylvania in the year 1859. This event was big footmark in the modern day oil and gas industry shaping global economies and communities.
While the world transforms towards more and more renewable energy, but the discovery and legacy of oil will will be written in golden words in the world history.
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