Overview
About the event
Contrary to popular belief that it is a substance humanity has only recently started using because it was needed for vehicles, petroleum has been used in one form or another since ancient times.
According to the renowned Greek historian, Herodotus, petroleum was one of the substances used to build the walls of Babylon. The ancient Persians also used petroleum for lighting purposes, filling their lamps with it, as well as for various medicinal purposes.
In the mid-1800s, Scottish chemist James Young began distilling petroleum, resulting in the production of kerosene as well as a thicker, darker oil that was perfect for lubricating machinery. Today, about 90% of the world�??s vehicles are powered using petroleum.
Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United States currently produce the most petroleum in the world; however, significant deposits are found in many other countries, such as Canada and Venezuela.
Because petroleum is a limited, non-renewable energy source, many scientists have devoted their entire careers to developing new technologies that will be able to replace it once it�??s gone.
