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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2022}}
{{Short description|Things like tools and weapons used in Ancient Greece}}[[File:Roda de Vitruvi.jpg|thumb|The [[watermill]],as the
{{Short description|Tools and weapons used in Ancient Greece}}[[File:Roda de Vitruvi.jpg|thumb|The [[watermill]], as the
first [[machine]] harnessing natural forces (apart from the [[sail]]) and as such holding a special place in the [[history of technology]],<ref name=j1>{{cite journal |author-link=Andrew Wilson (classical archaeologist) |last=Wilson |first=Andrew |year=2002 |title=Machines, Power and the Ancient Economy. |journal=[[The Journal of Roman Studies]] |volume=92 |pages=1–32 (7f.) |jstor=3184857 |doi=10.1017/s0075435800032135}}</ref> was invented by [[Greek engineering|Greek engineers]] sometime between the 3rd and 1st centuries BC.<ref name=j1/><ref>{{cite journal |last=Wikander |first=Örjan |author-link=Örjan Wikander |year=1985 |title=Archaeological Evidence for Early Water-Mills. An Interim Report |journal=History of Technology |volume=10 |pages=151–179 (160) }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Wikander |first=Örjan |author-link=Örjan Wikander |year=2000 |chapter=The Water-Mill |title=Handbook of Ancient Water Technology |series=Technology and Change in History |volume=2 |publisher=Brill |location=Leiden |isbn=90-04-11123-9 |pages=371–400 (396f.) }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Donners |first=K. |last2=Waelkens |first2=M. |last3=Deckers |first3=J. |year=2002 |title=Water Mills in the Area of Sagalassos: A Disappearing Ancient Technology |journal=Anatolian Studies |volume=52 |pages=1–17 (11) |jstor=3643076 |doi=10.2307/3643076 }}</ref> Here a [[list of ancient watermills|Roman gristmill]] as described by [[Vitruvius]].]]
first machine harnessing natural forces (apart from the [[sail]]) and as such holding a special place in the [[history of technology]],<ref name=j1>{{cite journal |author-link=Andrew Wilson (classical archaeologist) |last=Wilson |first=Andrew |year=2002 |title=Machines, Power and the Ancient Economy. |journal=[[The Journal of Roman Studies]] |volume=92 |pages=1–32 (7f.) |jstor=3184857 |doi=10.1017/s0075435800032135}}</ref> was invented by [[Greek engineering|Greek engineers]] sometime between the 3rd and 1st centuries BC.<ref name=j1/><ref>{{cite journal |last=Wikander |first=Örjan |author-link=Örjan Wikander |year=1985 |title=Archaeological Evidence for Early Water-Mills. An Interim Report |journal=History of Technology |volume=10 |pages=151–179 (160) }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Wikander |first=Örjan |author-link=Örjan Wikander |year=2000 |chapter=The Water-Mill |title=Handbook of Ancient Water Technology |series=Technology and Change in History |volume=2 |publisher=Brill |location=Leiden |isbn=90-04-11123-9 |pages=371–400 (396f.) }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Donners |first1=K. |last2=Waelkens |first2=M. |last3=Deckers |first3=J. |year=2002 |title=Water Mills in the Area of Sagalassos: A Disappearing Ancient Technology |journal=Anatolian Studies |volume=52 |pages=1–17 (11) |jstor=3643076 |doi=10.2307/3643076 |s2cid=163811541 }}</ref> Here a [[list of ancient watermills|Roman gristmill]] as described by [[Vitruvius]].]]


'''Ancient Greek technology''' developed during the 5th century BC, continuing up to and including the Roman period, and beyond. Inventions that are credited to the [[ancient Greeks]] include the gear, screw, rotary mills, [[bronze]] casting techniques, water clock, water organ, the torsion catapult, the use of steam to operate some experimental machines and toys, and a chart to find [[prime numbers]]. Many of these inventions occurred late in the Greek period, often inspired by the need to improve weapons and tactics in war. However, peaceful uses are shown by their early development of the [[watermill]], a device which pointed to further exploitation on a large scale under the Romans. They developed [[surveying]] and [[mathematics]] to an advanced state, and many of their technical advances were published by philosophers, like [[Archimedes]] and [[Heron of Alexandria|Heron]].
'''Ancient Greek technology''' developed during the 5th century BC, continuing up to and including the Roman period, and beyond. Inventions that are credited to the [[ancient Greeks]] include the gear, screw, rotary mills, [[bronze]] casting techniques, water clock, water organ, the torsion catapult, the use of steam to operate some experimental machines and toys, and a chart to find [[prime numbers]]. Many of these inventions occurred late in the Greek period, often inspired by the need to improve weapons and tactics in war. However, peaceful uses are shown by their early development of the [[watermill]], a device which pointed to further exploitation on a large scale under the Romans. They developed [[surveying]] and mathematics to an advanced state, and many of their technical advances were published by philosophers, like [[Archimedes]] and [[Heron of Alexandria|Heron]].


==Water technology==
==Water technology==
Some fields that were encompassed in the area of water resources (mainly for urban use) included groundwater exploitation, construction of [[Aqueduct (water supply)|aqueduct]]s for water supply, storm water and wastewater sewerage systems, flood protection. and drainage, construction and use of [[fountain]]s, baths and other sanitary and purgatory facilities, and even recreational uses of water.<ref>{{cite book |last=Angelfish |first=A. N. |first2=D. |last2= Outsourcing |chapter=Urban water engineering and management in ancient Greece |title=The Encyclopedia of Water Science |editor1-first= B.A. |editor1-last= Stewart |editor2-first=T. |editor2-last= Howell |pages= 999–1007 |publisher= Decker |location= New York |year=2003 |ISBN=0-8247-0948-9 }}</ref> Excellent examples of these technologies include the drainage system found in the [[Anatolia|Anatolian]] west coast, which featured an unusual [[masonry]] outlet
Some fields that were encompassed in the area of water resources (mainly for urban use) included groundwater exploitation, construction of [[Aqueduct (water supply)|aqueduct]]s for water supply, storm water and wastewater sewerage systems, flood protection,and drainage. construction and use of [[fountain]]s, baths and other sanitary and purgatory facilities, and even recreational uses of water.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Angelfish |first1=A. N. |first2=D. |last2= Outsourcing |chapter=Urban water engineering and management in ancient Greece |title=The Encyclopedia of Water Science |editor1-first= B.A. |editor1-last= Stewart |editor2-first=T. |editor2-last= Howell |pages= 999–1007 |publisher= Decker |location= New York |year=2003 |isbn=0-8247-0948-9 }}</ref> Excellent examples of these technologies include the drainage system found in the [[Anatolia]]n west coast, which featured an unusual [[masonry]] outlet structure that allowed self-cleaning of the drainage outlet.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=Ancient Water Technologies|last=Mays|first=Larry|publisher=Springer|year=2010|isbn=9789048186310|location=Dordrecht|pages=16}}</ref> The technology, which demonstrated the Greek understanding of the importance of hygienic conditions to public health, was part of an elaborate [[drainage]] system and underground water supply network.<ref name=":0"/>
structure that allowed self-cleaning of the drainage outlet.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=Ancient Water Technologies|last=Mays|first=Larry|publisher=Springer|year=2010|isbn=9789048186310|location=Dordrecht|pages=16}}</ref> The technology, which demonstrated the Greek understanding of the importance of hygienic conditions to public health, was part of an elaborate [[drainage]] system and underground water supply network.<ref name=":0"/>
==Water technology==
Some fields that were encompassed in the area of water resources (mainly for urban use) included groundwater exploitation, construction of [[Aqueduct (water supply)|aqueduct]]s for water supply, storm water and wastewater sewerage systems, flood protection. and drainage, construction and use of [[fountain]]s, baths and other sanitary and purgatory facilities, and even recreational uses of water.<ref>{{cite book |last=Angelfish |first=A. N. |first2=D. |last2= Outsourcing |chapter=Urban water engineering and management in ancient Greece |title=The Encyclopedia of Water Science |editor1-first= B.A. |editor1-last= Stewart |editor2-first=T. |editor2-last= Howell |pages= 999–1007 |publisher= Decker |location= New York |year=2003 |ISBN=0-8247-0948-9 }}</ref> Excellent examples of these technologies include the drainage system found in the [[Anatolia|Anatolian]] west coast, which featured an unusual [[masonry]] outlet structure that allowed self-cleaning of the drainage outlet.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=Ancient Water Technologies|last=Mays|first=Larry|publisher=Springer|year=2010|isbn=9789048186310|location=Dordrecht|pages=16}}</ref> The technology, which demonstrated the Greek understanding of the importance of hygienic conditions to public health, was part of an elaborate [[drainage]] system and underground water supply network.<ref name=":0"/>
==Water technology==
Some fields that were encompassed in the area of water resources (mainly for urban use) included groundwater exploitation, construction of [[Aqueduct (water supply)|aqueduct]]s for water supply, storm water and wastewater sewerage systems, flood protection. and drainage, construction and use of [[fountain]]s, baths and other sanitary and purgatory facilities, and even recreational uses of water.<ref>{{cite book |last=Angelfish |first=A. N. |first2=D. |last2= Outsourcing |chapter=Urban water engineering and management in ancient Greece |title=The Encyclopedia of Water Science |editor1-first= B.A. |editor1-last= Stewart |editor2-first=T. |editor2-last= Howell |pages= 999–1007 |publisher= Decker |location= New York |year=2003 |ISBN=0-8247-0948-9 }}</ref> Excellent examples of these technologies include the drainage system found in the [[Anatolia|Anatolian]] west coast, which featured an unusual [[masonry]] outlet structure that allowed self-cleaning of the drainage outlet.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=Ancient Water Technologies|last=Mays|first=Larry|publisher=Springer|year=2010|isbn=9789048186310|location=Dordrecht|pages=16}}</ref> The technology, which demonstrated the Greek understanding of the importance of hygienic conditions to public health, was part of an elaborate [[drainage]] system and underground water supply network.<ref name=":0"/>


==Mining==
==Mining==
The Greeks developed extensive [[silver]] mines at [[Laurium]], the profits from which helped support the growth of [[Athens]] as a [[city-state]]. It involved mining the ores in underground galleries, washing them, and [[smelting]] it to produce the metal. Elaborate washing tables still exist at the site, which used rainwater held in [[cistern]]s and collected during the winter months. Mining also helped to create currency by the conversion of the metal into [[Ancient Greek coinage|coinage]]. Greek mines had tunnels that were as deep as 330 feet and were worked by slaves using picks and iron hammers.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Technology in Ancient Greece|last=Samuels|first=Charlie|publisher=Gareth Stevens Publishing LLLP|year=2013|isbn=9781433996337|location=New York|pages=36}}</ref> The extracted ore were lifted by small skips hauled by a rope that was sometimes guided by a wheel placed against the rim of the mine shaft.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Studies in Ancient Technology, Volume 4|last=Forbes|first=Robert|publisher=Brill Archive|year=1966|location=Leiden|pages=145}}</ref>
The Greeks developed extensive silver mines at [[Laurium]], the profits from which helped support the growth of [[Athens]] as a [[city-state]].<ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.1111/arcm.12839 |title=Other ways to examine the finances behind the birth of Classical Greece|last1=Wood|first1=J.R.|journal=Archaeometry|year=2022|volume=65 |issue=3 |pages=570–586 |doi-access=free}}</ref> It involved mining the ores in underground galleries, washing them, and [[smelting]] it to produce the metal. Elaborate washing tables still exist at the site, which used rainwater held in [[cistern]]s and collected during the winter months. Mining also helped to create currency by the conversion of the metal into [[Ancient Greek coinage|coinage]].<ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.11141/ia.56.9|title=Sending Laurion Back to the Future: Bronze Age Silver and the Source of Confusion|last1=Wood|first1=J.R.|last2=Hsu|first2=Y-T.|last3=Bell|first3=C.|journal=Internet Archaeology|year=2021|volume=56|issue=9 |doi-access=free}}</ref> Greek mines had tunnels that were as deep as 330 feet and were worked by slaves using picks and iron hammers. The extracted ore were lifted by small skips hauled by a rope that was sometimes guided by a wheel placed against the rim of the mine shaft.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Studies in Ancient Technology, Volume 4|last=Forbes|first=Robert|publisher=Brill Archive|year=1966|location=Leiden|pages=145}}</ref>


==Inventions==
==Inventions==
{{main|List of Greek inventions and discoveries}}
{{Expand list|date=June 2021}}
{{Expand list|date=June 2021}}
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1px"
{{main|List of Greek inventions and discoveries}}
|- style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top;"
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1px; border:1px solid #ccc;"
! Technology
|- style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top;" "
! Date
! |Technology
! Description
! |Date
! |Description
! class="unsortable"|
! class="unsortable"|
|-
|-
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|[[File:Archimedes-screw one-screw-threads with-ball 3D-view animated small.gif|150px]]
|[[File:Archimedes-screw one-screw-threads with-ball 3D-view animated small.gif|150px]]
|-
|-
|'''[[Street]]s'''
|'''Streets'''
|c. 400 BC
|c. 400 BC
|Example: The Porta Rosa (4th–3rd century BC) was the main street of [[Velia|Elea]] (Italy) and connected the northern quarter to the southern quarter. The street is 5 meters wide. At its steepest, it inclines to 18%. It is paved with limestone blocks, girders cut in square blocks, and on one side a small gutter for the drainage of rainwater. The building is dated during the time of the reorganization of the city during the Hellenistic age. (4th to 3rd centuries BC)
|Example: The Porta Rosa (4th–3rd century BC) was the main street of [[Velia|Elea]] (Italy) and connected the northern quarter to the southern quarter. The street is 5 meters wide. At its steepest, it inclines to 18%. It is paved with limestone blocks, girders cut in square blocks, and on one side a small gutter for the drainage of rainwater. The building is dated during the time of the reorganization of the city during the Hellenistic age. (4th to 3rd centuries BC)
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|'''[[Cartography]]'''
|'''[[Cartography]]'''
|c. 600 BC
|c. 600 BC
|First widespread amalgamation of geographical maps developed by [[Anaximander]], although it is possible he had been exposed to [[Babylonian Map of the World|mapmaking practices of the Near East]].<ref>Alex C. Purves (2010). ''Space and Time in Ancient Greek Narrative''. Cambridge & New York: Cambridge University Press. {{ISBN|978-0-521-19098-5}}, pp 98-99.</ref>
|First widespread amalgamation of geographical maps developed by [[Anaximander]], although it is possible he had been exposed to [[Babylonian Map of the World|mapmaking practices of the Near East]].<ref>Alex C. Purves (2010). ''Space and Time in Ancient Greek Narrative''. Cambridge & New York: Cambridge University Press. {{ISBN|978-0-521-19098-5}}, pp 98–99.</ref>
|
|
|-
|-
|'''[[Diolkos|Rutway]]'''
|'''[[Diolkos|Rutway]]'''
|c. 600 BC
|c. 600 BC
|The 6 to 8.5&nbsp;km long [[Diolkos]] represented a rudimentary form of [[railway]].<ref>Lewis, M. J. T. (2001) [http://www.sciencenews.gr/docs/diolkos.pdf "Railways in the Greek and Roman world"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216073239/http://www.sciencenews.gr/docs/diolkos.pdf |date=February 16, 2008 }}, in Guy, A. / Rees, J. (eds), ''Early Railways. A Selection of Papers from the First International Early Railways Conference'', pp. 8–19 (8 & 15), {{ISBN|090468508X}}.</ref>
|The 6 to 8.5&nbsp;km long [[Diolkos]] represented a rudimentary form of railway.<ref>Lewis, M. J. T. (2001). [http://www.sciencenews.gr/docs/diolkos.pdf "Railways in the Greek and Roman world"]. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216073239/http://www.sciencenews.gr/docs/diolkos.pdf |date=16 February 2008 }}. In Guy, A., & Rees, J., eds. ''Early Railways. A Selection of Papers from the First International Early Railways Conference''. pp. 8–19 (8 & 15). {{ISBN|090468508X}}.</ref>
|[[File:Diolkos1.jpg|150px]]
|[[File:Diolkos1.jpg|150px]]
|-
|-
|'''[[Differential (mechanical device)|Differential gears]]'''
|'''[[Differential (mechanical device)|Differential gears]]'''
|c. 100–70 BC
|c. 100–70 BC
|The [[Antikythera mechanism]], from the Roman-era [[Antikythera wreck]], employed a differential gear to determine the angle between the [[ecliptic]] positions of the sun and moon, and thus the [[phase of the moon]].<ref name="Wright-Reconsidered">{{cite journal| title=The Antikythera Mechanism reconsidered| first=M. T.| last=Wright| journal=Interdisciplinary science reviews| year=2007| volume=32| number=1| url=http://fsoso.free.fr/antikythera/DOCS/TheAntikytheraMechanismReconsidered.pdf| access-date=20 May 2014}}</ref><ref>Bernd Ulmann (2013). ''Analog Computing''. Munich: Oldenbourg Verlag München. {{ISBN|978-3-486-72897-2}}, p. 6.</ref>
|The [[Antikythera mechanism]], from the Roman-era [[Antikythera wreck]], employed a differential gear to determine the angle between the [[ecliptic]] positions of the sun and moon, and thus the [[phase of the moon]].<ref name="Wright-Reconsidered">{{cite journal| title=The Antikythera Mechanism reconsidered| first=M. T.| last=Wright| journal=Interdisciplinary Science Reviews| year=2007| volume=32| number=1| pages=27–43| doi=10.1179/030801807X163670| bibcode=2007ISRv...32...27W| s2cid=54663891| url=http://fsoso.free.fr/antikythera/DOCS/TheAntikytheraMechanismReconsidered.pdf| access-date=20 May 2014}}</ref><ref>Bernd Ulmann (2013). ''Analog Computing''. Munich: Oldenbourg Verlag München. {{ISBN|978-3-486-72897-2}}, p. 6.</ref>
|[[File:Antikythera mechanism.svg|150px]]
|[[File:Antikythera mechanism.svg|150px]]
|-
|-
|'''[[Caliper]]'''
|'''[[Caliper]]'''
|6th century BC
|6th century BC
|Earliest example found in the [[Giglio Island|Giglio]] wreck near the [[Italy|Italian]] coast. The wooden piece already featured one fixed and a movable jaw.<ref>Bound, Mensun (1991) ''The Giglio wreck: a wreck of the Archaic period (c. 600 BC) off the Tuscan island of Giglio'', Hellenic Institute of Marine Archaeology, Athens.</ref><ref name="Roger B. Ulrich">Ulrich, Roger B. (2007) ''Roman woodworking'', Yale University Press, New Haven, Conn., pp. 52f., {{ISBN|0-300-10341-7}}.</ref>
|Earliest example found in the [[Giglio Island|Giglio]] wreck near the Italian coast. The wooden piece already featured one fixed and a movable jaw.<ref>Bound, Mensun (1991). ''The Giglio wreck: a wreck of the Archaic period (c. 600 BC) off the Tuscan island of Giglio'', Hellenic Institute of Marine Archaeology, Athens.</ref><ref name="Roger B. Ulrich">Ulrich, Roger B. (2007). ''Roman woodworking'', New Haven, Connecticut: Yale University Press, pp. 52f., {{ISBN|0-300-10341-7}}.</ref>
|
|
|-
|-
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| pages = 1–19 (7)
| pages = 1–19 (7)
| jstor = 630416
| jstor = 630416
| s2cid = 162973494
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
|[[File:Trispastos scheme.svg|150px]]
|[[File:Trispastos scheme.svg|150px]]
|-
|-
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| isbn = 90-04-11123-9
| isbn = 90-04-11123-9
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
|[[File:Washstand by Philo of Byzantium.png|150px]]<br />Washstand automaton
|
|-
|-
|'''[[Lock (security device)|Tumbler lock]]'''
|'''[[Lock (security device)|Tumbler lock]]'''
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|
|
|-
|-
|'''[[Plumbing]]'''
|'''Plumbing'''
|c. 5th century BC
|c. 5th century BC
|Although there is evidence for [[Sanitation of the Indus Valley Civilisation]], the [[ancient Greek]] civilization of [[Crete]], known as the [[Minoan civilization]], was the first civilization to use underground clay pipes for sanitation and water supply.<ref>{{cite web|title=The History of Plumbing - CRETE|url=http://www.theplumber.com/crete.html|work=theplumber.com|publisher=theplumber.com|access-date=26 March 2014}}</ref> Excavations at Olympus, as well as Athens, have revealed extensive plumbing systems for baths, fountains, and personal use.
|Although there is evidence for [[Sanitation of the Indus Valley civilisation|sanitation in the Indus Valley civilisation]], the [[ancient Greek]] civilization of [[Crete]], known as the [[Minoan civilization]], was the first civilization to use underground clay pipes for sanitation and water supply.<ref>{{cite web|title=The History of Plumbing CRETE|url=http://www.theplumber.com/crete.html|work=theplumber.com|access-date=26 March 2014}}</ref> Excavations at Olympus, as well as Athens, have revealed extensive plumbing systems for baths, fountains, and personal use.
|
|
|-
|-
|'''[[Stairway#Spiral and helical stairs|Spiral staircase]]'''
|'''[[Stairway#Spiral and helical stairs|Spiral staircase]]'''
|480–470 BC
|480–470 BC
|The earliest spiral staircases appear in Temple A in [[Selinunte]], [[Sicily]], to both sides of the [[cella]]. The temple was constructed around 480–470 BC.<ref>Ruggeri, Stefania : „Selinunt“, Edizioni Affinità Elettive, Messina 2006 {{ISBN|88-8405-079-0}}, p.77</ref>
|The earliest spiral staircases appear in Temple A in [[Selinunte]], Sicily, to both sides of the [[cella]]. The temple was constructed around 480–470 BC.<ref>Ruggeri, Stefania. ''Selinunt''. Edizioni Affinità Elettive, Messina 2006 {{ISBN|88-8405-079-0}}, p.77</ref>
|[[File:Koldewey-Sicilien-vol2-table15-detail01.png|150px|Plan of ground floor of Temple A at [[Selinunte]] (c. 480 BC). The remains of the two spiral stairs between the pronao and the cella are the oldest known to date.]]
|[[File:Koldewey-Sicilien-vol2-table15-detail01.png|150px]]<br />Plan of ground floor of Temple A at [[Selinunte]] (c. 480 BC). The remains of the two spiral stairs between the pronao and the cella are the oldest known to date.
|-
|-
|'''[[Town planning|Urban planning]]'''
|'''[[Town planning|Urban planning]]'''
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|Miletus is one of the first known towns in the world to have a grid-like plan for residential and public areas. It accomplished this feat through a variety of related innovations in areas such as surveying.
|Miletus is one of the first known towns in the world to have a grid-like plan for residential and public areas. It accomplished this feat through a variety of related innovations in areas such as surveying.
|
|
|-

|-
|-
|'''[[Winch]]'''
|'''[[Winch]]'''
|5th century BC
|5th century BC
|The earliest literary reference to a winch can be found in the account of [[Herodotus of Halicarnassus]] on the [[Greco-Persian Wars|Persian Wars]] (''Histories'' 7.36), where he describes how wooden winches were used to tighten the cables for a pontoon bridge across the Hellespont in 480 BC. Winches may have been employed even earlier in [[Assyria]], though. By the 4th century BC, winch and pulley hoists were regarded by [[Aristotle]] as common for architectural use (''Mech''. 18; 853b10-13).<ref>{{cite journal|author =Coulton, J. J. |title=Lifting in Early Greek Architecture|jstor=630416|journal=The Journal of Hellenic Studies|volume=94|year=1974|pages= 1–19 (12)|doi=10.2307/630416}}</ref>
|The earliest literary reference to a winch can be found in the account of [[Herodotus of Halicarnassus]] on the [[Greco-Persian Wars|Persian Wars]] (''Histories'' 7.36), where he describes how wooden winches were used to tighten the cables for a pontoon bridge across the Hellespont in 480 BC. Winches may have been employed even earlier in [[Assyria]], though. By the 4th century BC, winch and pulley hoists were regarded by [[Aristotle]] as common for architectural use (''Mech''. 18; 853b10-13).<ref>{{cite journal |last=Coulton |first=J. J. |title=Lifting in Early Greek Architecture|jstor=630416|journal=The Journal of Hellenic Studies|volume=94|year=1974|pages= 1–19 (12)|doi=10.2307/630416|s2cid=162973494 }}</ref>
|
|
|-
|-
|'''[[Showers]]'''
|'''[[Showers]]'''
|4th century BC
|4th century BC
|A shower room for female [[sportsperson|athlete]]s with plumbed-in water is depicted on an Athenian vase. A whole complex of shower-baths was also found in a 2nd-century BC [[Gymnasium (ancient Greece)|gymnasium]] at [[Pergamum]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080509052435/http://www.inventions.org/culture/ancient/showers.html Ancient Inventions: Showers]. inventions.org</ref>
|A shower room for female [[sportsperson|athlete]]s with plumbed-in water is depicted on an Athenian vase. A whole complex of shower-baths was also found in a 2nd-century BC [[Gymnasium (ancient Greece)|gymnasium]] at [[Pergamum]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080509052435/http://www.inventions.org/culture/ancient/showers.html "Ancient Inventions: Showers"]. ''inventions.org''</ref>
|
|
|-
|-
|'''[[Central heating]]'''
|'''[[Central heating]]'''
|c. 350 BC
|c. 350 BC
|Great Temple of Ephesus was warmed by heated air that was circulated through flues laid on the floor.
|The Great Temple of Ephesus was warmed by heated air that was circulated through flues laid on the floor.
|
|
|-
|-
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|'''[[Lock (water transport)|Canal lock]]'''
|'''[[Lock (water transport)|Canal lock]]'''
|early 3rd century BC
|early 3rd century BC
|Built into [[Ancient Suez Canal]] under [[Ptolemy II]] (283–246 BC).<ref>{{cite journal|author =Moore, Frank Gardner |year=1950|title=Three Canal Projects, Roman and Byzantine|journal=American Journal of Archaeology|volume=54|issue=2|pages=97–111 (99–101)|doi=10.2307/500198}}</ref><ref>Froriep, Siegfried (1986): "Ein Wasserweg in Bithynien. Bemühungen der Römer, Byzantiner und Osmanen", ''Antike Welt'', 2nd Special Edition, pp.&nbsp;39–50 (46)</ref><ref>Schörner, Hadwiga (2000): "Künstliche Schiffahrtskanäle in der Antike. Der sogenannte antike Suez-Kanal", ''Skyllis'', Vol. 3, No. 1, pp.&nbsp;28–43 (33–35, 39)</ref>
|Built into [[Ancient Suez Canal]] under [[Ptolemy II]] (283–246 BC).<ref>{{cite journal|last=Moore |first=Frank Gardner |year=1950|title=Three Canal Projects, Roman and Byzantine|journal=American Journal of Archaeology|volume=54|issue=2|pages=97–111 (99–101)|doi=10.2307/500198|jstor=500198 |s2cid=191374346 }}</ref><ref>Froriep, Siegfried (1986): "Ein Wasserweg in Bithynien. Bemühungen der Römer, Byzantiner und Osmanen", ''Antike Welt'', 2nd Special Edition, pp.&nbsp;39–50 (46)</ref><ref>Schörner, Hadwiga (2000): "Künstliche Schiffahrtskanäle in der Antike. Der sogenannte antike Suez-Kanal", ''Skyllis'', Vol. 3, No. 1, pp.&nbsp;28–43 (33–35, 39)</ref>
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|'''[[Lighthouse]]'''
|'''[[Lighthouse]]'''
|c. 3rd century BC
|c. 3rd century BC
|According to [[Homer]]ic legend, Palamidis of Nafplio invented the first lighthouse, although they are certainly attested with the [[Lighthouse of Alexandria]] (designed and constructed by [[Sostratus of Cnidus]]) and the [[Colossus of Rhodes]]. However, [[Themistocles]] had earlier established a lighthouse at the harbor of [[Piraeus]] connected to Athens in the 5th century BC, essentially a small stone column with a fire beacon.<ref>Elinor Dewire and Dolores Reyes-Pergioudakis (2010). ''The Lighthouses of Greece''. Sarasota: Pineapple Press. {{ISBN|978-1-56164-452-0}}, pp 1-5.</ref>
|According to [[Homer]]ic legend, Palamidis of Nafplio invented the first lighthouse, although they are certainly attested with the [[Lighthouse of Alexandria]] (designed and constructed by [[Sostratus of Cnidus]]) and the [[Colossus of Rhodes]]. However, [[Themistocles]] had earlier established a lighthouse at the harbor of [[Piraeus]] connected to Athens in the 5th century BC, essentially a small stone column with a fire beacon.<ref>Elinor Dewire and Dolores Reyes-Pergioudakis (2010). ''The Lighthouses of Greece''. Sarasota: Pineapple Press. {{ISBN|978-1-56164-452-0}}, pp 1–5.</ref>
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|-
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|'''[[Water wheel]]'''
|'''[[Water wheel]]'''
|3rd century BC
|3rd century BC
|First described by [[Philo of Byzantium]] (c. 280–220 BC).<ref>[[John Peter Oleson|Oleson, John Peter]] (2000): "Water-Lifting", in: [[Örjan Wikander|Wikander, Örjan]]: "Handbook of Ancient Water Technology", Technology and Change in History, Vol. 2, Brill, Leiden, {{ISBN|90-04-11123-9}}, pp.&nbsp;217–302 (233)</ref>
|First described by [[Philo of Byzantium]] (c. 280–220 BC).<ref>[[John Peter Oleson|Oleson, John Peter]] (2000): "Water-Lifting", in [[Örjan Wikander|Wikander, Örjan]], ''Handbook of Ancient Water Technology'', Technology and Change in History, Vol. 2, Brill, Leiden, {{ISBN|90-04-11123-9}}, pp.&nbsp;217–302 (233)</ref>
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Line 193: Line 188:
|'''[[Odometer]]'''
|'''[[Odometer]]'''
|c. 3rd century BC
|c. 3rd century BC
|Odometer, a device used in the late Hellenistic time and by Romans for indicating the distance traveled by a vehicle. It was invented sometime in the 3rd century BC. Some historians attribute it to [[Archimedes]], others to [[Heron of Alexandria]]. It helped revolutionize the building of roads and traveling by them by accurately measuring distance and being able to carefully illustrate this with a milestone.
|Odometer, a device used in the late Hellenistic time and by Romans for indicating the distance traveled by a vehicle. It was invented sometime in the 3rd century BC. Some historians attribute it to [[Archimedes]], others to [[Heron of Alexandria]]. It helped revolutionize the building of roads and traveling by them by accurately measuring distance and being able to carefully illustrate this with a [[milestone]].
|
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|-
|-
|'''[[Chain drive]]'''
|'''[[Chain drive]]'''
|3rd century BC
|3rd century BC
|First described by [[Philo of Byzantium]], the device powered a [[repeating crossbow]], the first known of its kind.<ref name="Soedel & Foley">Werner Soedel, Vernard Foley: ''Ancient Catapults'', ''Scientific American'', Vol. 240, No. 3 (March 1979), p.124-125</ref>
|First described by [[Philo of Byzantium]], the device powered a [[repeating crossbow]], the first known of its kind.<ref name="Soedel & Foley">Werner Soedel, Vernard Foley, "Ancient Catapults", ''Scientific American'', Vol. 240, No. 3 (March 1979), pp. 124–125</ref>
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Line 213: Line 208:
|'''[[Lever]]s'''
|'''[[Lever]]s'''
|c. 260 BC
|c. 260 BC
|First described about 260 BC by the ancient Greek mathematician [[Archimedes]]. Although used in prehistoric times, they were first put to practical use for more developed technologies in Ancient Greece.<ref name="Usher1954">{{cite book|author=Usher, A. P.|author-link=Abbott Payson Usher|title=A History of Mechanical Inventions|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zt4Aw9wKjm8C&pg=PA94|page=94|access-date=7 April 2013|year=1929|publisher=Harvard University Press (reprinted by Dover Publications 1988)|isbn=978-0-486-14359-0|oclc=514178}}</ref>
|First described about 260 BC by the ancient Greek mathematician [[Archimedes]]. Although used in prehistoric times, they were first put to practical use for more developed technologies in Ancient Greece.<ref name="Usher1954">{{cite book|last=Usher |first=A. P.|author-link=Abbott Payson Usher|title=A History of Mechanical Inventions|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zt4Aw9wKjm8C&pg=PA94|page=94|access-date=7 April 2013|orig-year=1st pub. Harvard University Press 1929 |publisher=Dover Publications |year=1988|isbn=978-0-486-14359-0|oclc=514178}}</ref>
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Line 223: Line 218:
|'''Three-[[Mast (sailing)|masted]] ship ([[mizzen]])'''
|'''Three-[[Mast (sailing)|masted]] ship ([[mizzen]])'''
|c. 240 BC:
|c. 240 BC:
|First recorded for ''[[Syracusia]]'' as well as other [[Syracusan]] (merchant) ships under [[Hiero II of Syracuse]]<ref>[[Lionel Casson|Casson, Lionel]] (1995): "Ships and Seamanship in the Ancient World", Johns Hopkins University Press, pp.&nbsp;242, fn. 75, {{ISBN|978-0-8018-5130-8}}.</ref>
|First recorded for ''[[Syracusia]]'' as well as other [[Syracusan]] (merchant) ships under [[Hiero II of Syracuse]]<ref>[[Lionel Casson|Casson, Lionel]] (1995). ''Ships and Seamanship in the Ancient World''. Johns Hopkins University Press, pp.&nbsp;242, fn. 75, {{ISBN|978-0-8018-5130-8}}.</ref>
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|-
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|'''[[Gimbal]]'''
|'''[[Gimbal]]'''
|3rd century BC
|3rd century BC
|The inventor [[Philo of Byzantium]] (280–220 BC) described an eight-sided [[ink]] pot with an opening on each side, which can be turned so that any face is on top, dip in a pen and ink it-yet the ink never runs out through the holes of the side. This was done by the suspension of the inkwell at the center, which was mounted on a series of concentric metal rings which remained stationary no matter which way the pot turns itself.<ref>Sarton, G. (1970) A History of Science, The Norton Library, Vol. 2., pp. 343–350, {{ISBN|0393005267}}.</ref>
|The inventor [[Philo of Byzantium]] (280–220 BC) described an eight-sided [[ink]] pot with an opening on each side, which can be turned so that any face is on top, dip in a pen and ink it-yet the ink never runs out through the holes of the side. This was done by the suspension of the inkwell at the center, which was mounted on a series of concentric metal rings which remained stationary no matter which way the pot turns itself.<ref>Sarton, G. (1970), ''A History of Science'', The Norton Library, Vol. 2., pp. 343–350, {{ISBN|0393005267}}.</ref>
|[[File:Rotating gimbal-xyz.gif|150px]]
|[[File:Rotating gimbal-xyz.gif|150px]]
|-
|-
|'''[[Dry dock]]'''
|'''[[Dry dock]]'''
|c. 200 BC
|c. 200 BC
|Invented in [[Ptolemaic Egypt]] under [[Ptolemy IV Philopator]] (reigned 221–204 BC) as recorded by [[Athenaeus of Naucratis]](V 204c-d).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.attalus.org/old/athenaeus5b.html|title=Athenaeus: Deipnosophists - Book 5 (b)|website=www.attalus.org}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Oleson|1984|p=33}}</ref>
|Invented in [[Ptolemaic Egypt]] under [[Ptolemy IV Philopator]] (reigned 221–204 BC) as recorded by [[Athenaeus of Naucratis]](V 204c-d).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.attalus.org/old/athenaeus5b.html|title=Athenaeus: Deipnosophists Book 5 (b)|website=www.attalus.org}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Oleson|1984|p=33}}</ref>
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Line 239: Line 234:
|2nd century BC
|2nd century BC
|Spritsails, the earliest fore-and-aft rigs, appeared in the 2nd century BC in the [[Aegean Sea]] on small Greek craft.<ref name="Casson 1995, 243–245">[[Lionel Casson|Casson, Lionel]] (1995): "Ships and Seamanship in the Ancient World", Johns Hopkins University Press, pp.&nbsp;243–245, {{ISBN|978-0-8018-5130-8}}.</ref>
|Spritsails, the earliest fore-and-aft rigs, appeared in the 2nd century BC in the [[Aegean Sea]] on small Greek craft.<ref name="Casson 1995, 243–245">[[Lionel Casson|Casson, Lionel]] (1995): "Ships and Seamanship in the Ancient World", Johns Hopkins University Press, pp.&nbsp;243–245, {{ISBN|978-0-8018-5130-8}}.</ref>
|[[File:Museum für Antike Schiffahrt, Mainz 02. Spritsail.jpg|150px|Here a spritsail used on a Roman merchant ship (3rd century AD).]]
|[[File:Museum für Antike Schiffahrt, Mainz 02. Spritsail.jpg|150px]]<br />A spritsail used on a Roman merchant ship (3rd century AD).
|-
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|'''[[Hydraulics|Air and water pumps]]'''
|'''[[Hydraulics|Air and water pumps]]'''
|c. 2nd century BC
|c. 2nd century BC
|[[Ctesibius]] and various other Greeks of Alexandria of the period developed and put to practical use various air and water pumps which served a variety of purposes,<ref>David Sacks (2005) [1995]. Oswin Murray and Lisa R. Brody (eds), ''Encyclopedia of the Ancient Greek World''. Revised Edition. New York: Facts on File. {{ISBN|0-8160-5722-2}}, p. 303.</ref> such as a [[water organ]] and, by the 1st century AD, [[Heron's fountain]].
|[[Ctesibius]] and various other Greeks of Alexandria of the period developed and put to practical use various air and water pumps which served a variety of purposes,<ref>David Sacks (2005) [1st ed. 1995]. Oswin Murray and Lisa R. Brody (eds), ''Encyclopedia of the Ancient Greek World''. Revised Edition. New York: Facts on File. {{ISBN|0-8160-5722-2}}, p. 303.</ref> such as a [[water organ]] and, by the 1st century AD, [[Heron's fountain]].
|
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|'''[[Sakia]] gear'''
|'''[[Sakia]] gear'''
|2nd century BC
|2nd century BC
|First appeared in 2nd-BC [[Hellenistic Egypt]], where pictorial evidence already showed it fully developed<ref>[[John Peter Oleson|Oleson, John Peter]] (2000): "Water-Lifting", in: [[Örjan Wikander|Wikander, Örjan]]: "Handbook of Ancient Water Technology", Technology and Change in History, Vol. 2, Brill, Leiden, pp.&nbsp;217–302 (234, 270), {{ISBN|90-04-11123-9}}.</ref>
|First appeared in 2nd century BC [[Hellenistic Egypt]], where pictorial evidence already showed it fully developed<ref>[[John Peter Oleson|Oleson, John Peter]] (2000): "Water-Lifting", in: [[Örjan Wikander|Wikander, Örjan]]: ''Handbook of Ancient Water Technology'', Technology and Change in History, Vol. 2, Brill, Leiden, pp.&nbsp;217–302 (234, 270), {{ISBN|90-04-11123-9}}.</ref>
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Line 258: Line 253:
|'''[[Analog computers]]'''
|'''[[Analog computers]]'''
|c. 150 BC
|c. 150 BC
|In 1900–1901, the '''''[[Antikythera mechanism]]''''' was found in the [[Antikythera wreck]]. It is thought that this device was an analog computer designed to calculate astronomical positions and was used to predict lunar and solar eclipses based on Babylonian arithmetic-progression cycles. Whereas the Antikythera mechanism is considered the proper analog computer, the [[astrolabe]] (also invented by the Greeks) may be considered as a forerunner.<ref>Bernd Ulmann (2013). ''Analog Computing''. Munich: Oldenbourg Verlag München. {{ISBN|978-3-486-72897-2}}, pp 5-6</ref>
|In 1900–1901, the '''''[[Antikythera mechanism]]''''' was found in the [[Antikythera wreck]]. It is thought that this device was an analog computer designed to calculate astronomical positions and was used to predict lunar and solar eclipses based on Babylonian arithmetic-progression cycles. Whereas the Antikythera mechanism is considered the proper analog computer, the [[astrolabe]] (also invented by the Greeks) may be considered as a forerunner.<ref>Bernd Ulmann (2013). ''Analog Computing''. Munich: Oldenbourg Verlag München. {{ISBN|978-3-486-72897-2}}, pp 5–6</ref>
|[[File:NAMA Machine d'Anticythère 1.jpg|150px]]
|[[File:NAMA Machine d'Anticythère 1.jpg|150px]]
|-
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Line 268: Line 263:
|'''[[Vending machine]]'''
|'''[[Vending machine]]'''
|1st century BC
|1st century BC
|The first vending machine was described by [[Heron of Alexandria]]. His machine accepted a coin and then dispensed a fixed amount of [[holy water]]. When the coin was deposited, it fell upon a pan attached to a lever. The lever opened up a valve, which let some water flow out. The pan continued to tilt with the weight of the coin until it fell off, at which point a counter-weight would snap the lever back up and turn off the valve.<ref name="Smithsonian: Old World, High Tech">Jaffe, Eric (December 2006) [http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/ancient_calendar.html Old World, High Tech: World's First Vending Machine]. ''Smithsonian magazine''.</ref>
|The first vending machine was described by [[Heron of Alexandria]]. His machine accepted a coin and then dispensed a fixed amount of [[holy water]]. When the coin was deposited, it fell upon a pan attached to a lever. The lever opened up a valve, which let some water flow out. The pan continued to tilt with the weight of the coin until it fell off, at which point a counter-weight would snap the lever back up and turn off the valve.<ref name="Smithsonian: Old World, High Tech">Jaffe, Eric (December 2006). [http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/ancient_calendar.html "Old World, High Tech: World's First Vending Machine"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106072457/http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/ancient_calendar.html |date=6 November 2013 }}. ''Smithsonian magazine''.</ref>
|
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|'''[[Wind vane]]'''
|'''[[Wind vane]]'''
|50 BC
|50 BC
|The [[Tower of the Winds]] on the [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] ''[[agora]]'' in [[Athens]] featured atop a wind vane in the form of a bronze [[Triton (mythology)|Triton]] holding a rod in his outstretched hand rotating to the wind blowing. Below, its [[frieze]] was adorned with the eight wind deities. The 8 m high structure also featured [[sundial]]s and a [[water clock]] inside dates from around 50 BC.<ref>{{cite journal|authors =Noble, Joseph V. and de Solla Price, Derek J.|title=The Water Clock in the Tower of the Winds|url=http://hist.science.online.fr/antikythera/MORE-DOCS/waterclock-windstower-DSPrice.pdf|jstor=503828|journal=American Journal of Archaeology|volume=72|issue=4|year=1968|pages=345–355 (353)|doi=10.2307/503828}}</ref>
|The [[Tower of the Winds]] on the [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] ''[[agora]]'' in [[Athens]] featured atop a wind vane in the form of a bronze [[Triton (mythology)|Triton]] holding a rod in his outstretched hand rotating to the wind blowing. Below, its [[frieze]] was adorned with the eight wind deities. The 8 m high structure also featured [[sundial]]s and a [[water clock]] inside dates from around 50 BC.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Noble |first1=Joseph V. |last2=De Solla Price |first2=Derek J.|title=The Water Clock in the Tower of the Winds|url=http://hist.science.online.fr/antikythera/MORE-DOCS/waterclock-windstower-DSPrice.pdf|jstor=503828|journal=American Journal of Archaeology|volume=72|issue=4|year=1968|pages=345–355 (353)|doi=10.2307/503828|s2cid=193112893 }}</ref>
|
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|-
|-
|'''[[Clock tower]]'''
|'''[[Clock tower]]'''
|50 BC
|50 BC
|See [[Clock tower]].<ref>{{cite journal|authors =Noble, Joseph V. and de Solla Price, Derek J.|title=The Water Clock in the Tower of the Winds|url=http://hist.science.online.fr/antikythera/MORE-DOCS/waterclock-windstower-DSPrice.pdf|jstor=503828|journal=American Journal of Archaeology|volume=72|issue=4|year=1968|pages=345–355 (349)}}</ref>
|See [[Clock tower]].<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Noble |first1=Joseph V. |last2=de Solla Price |first2=Derek J.|title=The Water Clock in the Tower of the Winds|url=http://hist.science.online.fr/antikythera/MORE-DOCS/waterclock-windstower-DSPrice.pdf|jstor=503828|journal=American Journal of Archaeology|volume=72|issue=4|year=1968|pages=345–355 (349)|doi=10.2307/503828 |s2cid=193112893 }}</ref>
|[[File:Tower of the Winds.jpg|150px|[[Tower of the Winds]]]]
|[[File:Tower of the Winds.jpg|150px]]<br />[[Tower of the Winds]]
|-
|-
|'''[[Automatic door|Automatic doors]]'''
|'''[[Automatic door]]s'''
|c. 1st century AD
|c. 1st century AD
|[[Heron of Alexandria]], a 1st-century BC inventor from [[Alexandria]], [[Egypt]], created schematics for automatic doors to be used in a temple with the aid of steam power.<ref name="Smithsonian: Old World, High Tech"/>{{dead link|date=June 2021}}
|[[Heron of Alexandria]], a 1st-century BC inventor from [[Alexandria]], [[Egypt]], created schematics for automatic doors to be used in a temple with the aid of steam power.<ref name="Smithsonian: Old World, High Tech"/>{{dead link|date=June 2021}}

Revision as of 08:38, 1 May 2024

The watermill, as the first machine harnessing natural forces (apart from the sail) and as such holding a special place in the history of technology,[1] was invented by Greek engineers sometime between the 3rd and 1st centuries BC.[1][2][3][4] Here a Roman gristmill as described by Vitruvius.

Ancient Greek technology developed during the 5th century BC, continuing up to and including the Roman period, and beyond. Inventions that are credited to the ancient Greeks include the gear, screw, rotary mills, bronze casting techniques, water clock, water organ, the torsion catapult, the use of steam to operate some experimental machines and toys, and a chart to find prime numbers. Many of these inventions occurred late in the Greek period, often inspired by the need to improve weapons and tactics in war. However, peaceful uses are shown by their early development of the watermill, a device which pointed to further exploitation on a large scale under the Romans. They developed surveying and mathematics to an advanced state, and many of their technical advances were published by philosophers, like Archimedes and Heron.

Water technology

Some fields that were encompassed in the area of water resources (mainly for urban use) included groundwater exploitation, construction of aqueducts for water supply, storm water and wastewater sewerage systems, flood protection,and drainage. construction and use of fountains, baths and other sanitary and purgatory facilities, and even recreational uses of water.[5] Excellent examples of these technologies include the drainage system found in the Anatolian west coast, which featured an unusual masonry outlet structure that allowed self-cleaning of the drainage outlet.[6] The technology, which demonstrated the Greek understanding of the importance of hygienic conditions to public health, was part of an elaborate drainage system and underground water supply network.[6]

Mining

The Greeks developed extensive silver mines at Laurium, the profits from which helped support the growth of Athens as a city-state.[7] It involved mining the ores in underground galleries, washing them, and smelting it to produce the metal. Elaborate washing tables still exist at the site, which used rainwater held in cisterns and collected during the winter months. Mining also helped to create currency by the conversion of the metal into coinage.[8] Greek mines had tunnels that were as deep as 330 feet and were worked by slaves using picks and iron hammers. The extracted ore were lifted by small skips hauled by a rope that was sometimes guided by a wheel placed against the rim of the mine shaft.[9]

Inventions

Technology Date Description
Archimedes' screw c. 3rd century BC This device, capable of lifting solid or liquid substances from a lower plane to a higher elevation, is traditionally attributed to the Greek mathematician Archimedes of Syracuse.[10][11]
Streets c. 400 BC Example: The Porta Rosa (4th–3rd century BC) was the main street of Elea (Italy) and connected the northern quarter to the southern quarter. The street is 5 meters wide. At its steepest, it inclines to 18%. It is paved with limestone blocks, girders cut in square blocks, and on one side a small gutter for the drainage of rainwater. The building is dated during the time of the reorganization of the city during the Hellenistic age. (4th to 3rd centuries BC)
Cartography c. 600 BC First widespread amalgamation of geographical maps developed by Anaximander, although it is possible he had been exposed to mapmaking practices of the Near East.[12]
Rutway c. 600 BC The 6 to 8.5 km long Diolkos represented a rudimentary form of railway.[13]
Differential gears c. 100–70 BC The Antikythera mechanism, from the Roman-era Antikythera wreck, employed a differential gear to determine the angle between the ecliptic positions of the sun and moon, and thus the phase of the moon.[14][15]
Caliper 6th century BC Earliest example found in the Giglio wreck near the Italian coast. The wooden piece already featured one fixed and a movable jaw.[16][17]
Truss roof 550 BC[18] See List of Greco-Roman roofs
Crane c. 515 BC Labor-saving device that allowed the employment of small and efficient work teams on construction sites. Later winches were added for heavy weights.[19]
Escapement 3rd century BC Described by the Greek engineer Philo of Byzantium (3rd century BC) in his technical treatise Pneumatics (chapter 31) as part of a washstand automaton for guests washing their hands. Philon's comment that "its construction is similar to that of clocks" indicates that such escapement mechanisms were already integrated in ancient water clocks.[20]
Washstand automaton
Tumbler lock c. 5th century BC The tumbler lock, as well as other varieties of lock, was introduced in Greece in the 5th century BC.
Gears c. 5th century BC Developed further than in prehistoric times for a variety of practical purposes.
Plumbing c. 5th century BC Although there is evidence for sanitation in the Indus Valley civilisation, the ancient Greek civilization of Crete, known as the Minoan civilization, was the first civilization to use underground clay pipes for sanitation and water supply.[21] Excavations at Olympus, as well as Athens, have revealed extensive plumbing systems for baths, fountains, and personal use.
Spiral staircase 480–470 BC The earliest spiral staircases appear in Temple A in Selinunte, Sicily, to both sides of the cella. The temple was constructed around 480–470 BC.[22]
Plan of ground floor of Temple A at Selinunte (c. 480 BC). The remains of the two spiral stairs between the pronao and the cella are the oldest known to date.
Urban planning c. 5th century BC Miletus is one of the first known towns in the world to have a grid-like plan for residential and public areas. It accomplished this feat through a variety of related innovations in areas such as surveying.
Winch 5th century BC The earliest literary reference to a winch can be found in the account of Herodotus of Halicarnassus on the Persian Wars (Histories 7.36), where he describes how wooden winches were used to tighten the cables for a pontoon bridge across the Hellespont in 480 BC. Winches may have been employed even earlier in Assyria, though. By the 4th century BC, winch and pulley hoists were regarded by Aristotle as common for architectural use (Mech. 18; 853b10-13).[23]
Showers 4th century BC A shower room for female athletes with plumbed-in water is depicted on an Athenian vase. A whole complex of shower-baths was also found in a 2nd-century BC gymnasium at Pergamum.[24]
Central heating c. 350 BC The Great Temple of Ephesus was warmed by heated air that was circulated through flues laid on the floor.
Lead sheathing c. 350 BC To protect a ship's hull from boring creatures; see Kyrenia ship
Canal lock early 3rd century BC Built into Ancient Suez Canal under Ptolemy II (283–246 BC).[25][26][27]
Ancient Suez Canal early 3rd century BC Opened by Greek engineers under Ptolemy II (283–246 BC), following earlier, probably only partly successful attempts.[28]
Lighthouse c. 3rd century BC According to Homeric legend, Palamidis of Nafplio invented the first lighthouse, although they are certainly attested with the Lighthouse of Alexandria (designed and constructed by Sostratus of Cnidus) and the Colossus of Rhodes. However, Themistocles had earlier established a lighthouse at the harbor of Piraeus connected to Athens in the 5th century BC, essentially a small stone column with a fire beacon.[29]
Water wheel 3rd century BC First described by Philo of Byzantium (c. 280–220 BC).[30]
Alarm clock 3rd century BC The Hellenistic engineer and inventor Ctesibius (fl. 285–222 BC) fitted his clepsydras with a dial and pointer for indicating the time, and added elaborate "alarm systems, which could be made to drop pebbles on a gong, or blow trumpets (by forcing bell-jars down into water and taking the compressed air through a beating reed) at pre-set times" (Vitruv 11.11).[31]
Odometer c. 3rd century BC Odometer, a device used in the late Hellenistic time and by Romans for indicating the distance traveled by a vehicle. It was invented sometime in the 3rd century BC. Some historians attribute it to Archimedes, others to Heron of Alexandria. It helped revolutionize the building of roads and traveling by them by accurately measuring distance and being able to carefully illustrate this with a milestone.
Chain drive 3rd century BC First described by Philo of Byzantium, the device powered a repeating crossbow, the first known of its kind.[32]
Cannon c. 3rd century BC Ctesibius of Alexandria invented a primitive form of the cannon, operated by compressed air.
Double-action principle 3rd century BC Universal mechanical principle that was discovered and first applied by the engineer Ctesibius in his double-action piston pump, which was later developed further by Heron to a fire hose (see below).[33]
Levers c. 260 BC First described about 260 BC by the ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes. Although used in prehistoric times, they were first put to practical use for more developed technologies in Ancient Greece.[34]
Water mill c. 250 BC The use of water power was pioneered by the Greeks: The earliest mention of a water mill in history occurs in Philo's Pneumatics, previously been regarded as a later Arabic interpolation, but according to recent research to be of authentic Greek origin.[1][35]
Three-masted ship (mizzen) c. 240 BC: First recorded for Syracusia as well as other Syracusan (merchant) ships under Hiero II of Syracuse[36]
Gimbal 3rd century BC The inventor Philo of Byzantium (280–220 BC) described an eight-sided ink pot with an opening on each side, which can be turned so that any face is on top, dip in a pen and ink it-yet the ink never runs out through the holes of the side. This was done by the suspension of the inkwell at the center, which was mounted on a series of concentric metal rings which remained stationary no matter which way the pot turns itself.[37]
Dry dock c. 200 BC Invented in Ptolemaic Egypt under Ptolemy IV Philopator (reigned 221–204 BC) as recorded by Athenaeus of Naucratis(V 204c-d).[38][39]
Fore-and-aft rig (spritsail) 2nd century BC Spritsails, the earliest fore-and-aft rigs, appeared in the 2nd century BC in the Aegean Sea on small Greek craft.[40]
A spritsail used on a Roman merchant ship (3rd century AD).
Air and water pumps c. 2nd century BC Ctesibius and various other Greeks of Alexandria of the period developed and put to practical use various air and water pumps which served a variety of purposes,[41] such as a water organ and, by the 1st century AD, Heron's fountain.
Sakia gear 2nd century BC First appeared in 2nd century BC Hellenistic Egypt, where pictorial evidence already showed it fully developed[42]
Surveying tools c. 2nd century BC Various records relating to mentions of surveying tools have been discovered, mostly in Alexandrian sources, these greatly helped the development of the precision of Roman aqueducts.
Analog computers c. 150 BC In 1900–1901, the Antikythera mechanism was found in the Antikythera wreck. It is thought that this device was an analog computer designed to calculate astronomical positions and was used to predict lunar and solar eclipses based on Babylonian arithmetic-progression cycles. Whereas the Antikythera mechanism is considered the proper analog computer, the astrolabe (also invented by the Greeks) may be considered as a forerunner.[43]
Fire hose 1st century BC Invented by Heron based on Ctesibius' double-action piston pump.[33] Allowed for more efficient fire fighting.
Vending machine 1st century BC The first vending machine was described by Heron of Alexandria. His machine accepted a coin and then dispensed a fixed amount of holy water. When the coin was deposited, it fell upon a pan attached to a lever. The lever opened up a valve, which let some water flow out. The pan continued to tilt with the weight of the coin until it fell off, at which point a counter-weight would snap the lever back up and turn off the valve.[33]
Wind vane 50 BC The Tower of the Winds on the Roman agora in Athens featured atop a wind vane in the form of a bronze Triton holding a rod in his outstretched hand rotating to the wind blowing. Below, its frieze was adorned with the eight wind deities. The 8 m high structure also featured sundials and a water clock inside dates from around 50 BC.[44]
Clock tower 50 BC See Clock tower.[45]
Tower of the Winds
Automatic doors c. 1st century AD Heron of Alexandria, a 1st-century BC inventor from Alexandria, Egypt, created schematics for automatic doors to be used in a temple with the aid of steam power.[33][dead link]

See also

References

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Sources

Further reading