Short answers, pulled from the story.
Engineering is the practice of systematically applying natural science and mathematics to design and improve systems, devices, or processes that solve problems under constraints. The traditional disciplines of engineering are civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical.
The word engineering derives from the Latin ingenium, a term from around 1250 meaning innate quality, especially mental power, and by extension a clever invention. The related word engineer dates to the 14th century, when an engine'er meant a constructor of military engines.
The earliest civil engineer known by name is Imhotep. As an official of the Pharaoh Djoser, he probably designed and supervised the Step Pyramid at Saqqara in Egypt around 2630 to 2611 BC.
John Smeaton was the first self-proclaimed civil engineer and is often regarded as the father of civil engineering. He designed bridges, canals, harbors, and lighthouses, including the third Eddystone Lighthouse built between 1755 and 1759.
The six classic simple machines are the wedge, the inclined plane or ramp, the wheel and axle, the lever, the pulley, and the screw. They were known in the ancient Near East, with the screw being the last to be invented during the Neo-Assyrian period between 911 and 609 BC.
The traditional disciplines of engineering are civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical, with structural, industrial, or mining and materials sometimes added. Recognized branches also include aerospace, agricultural, biological, biomedical, computer, environmental, geological, marine, materials, nuclear, and software engineering.
Forensic engineering is the study of failed products, which attempts to identify the cause of failure to allow a redesign and prevent a re-occurrence. The consequences of a failure can range from the minor cost of a machine breakdown to large loss of life in accidents involving aircraft, buildings, and dams.