Abstract: The history of mechanics is reviewed in the light of the position and functions of mechanies in the development of science and technology:the understanding of natural lows and solution of engineering problems,Some major research topics are discussed in solid mechanics,fluid mechanies,general mecha-nics and in the area of mechnies-related cross-disiplines. Trends of mecha-nics development in the 21st century(especially in its carly period) is also given