Greek and Roman Technology

Knowledge is power. This is a common saying, which many of us are familiar with today. Whoever holds the key to new technologies holds this power. This was the case with ancient empires such as the Greek and Romans. They gained their dominance by creating new and innovative ideas, which developed them into the nations they once were.

            Nations tend to compete when it comes to innovation. It’s forward thinking, and is also a way to coexist peacefully (sharing of ideas) instead of resorting for physical means to prove superiority, such as using war to create dominance. When a technologically advanced society gets corrupt, they tend to get cocky and forget about the importance of innovation and instead resort to war to make a point. They resort to war to make a competitive point instead of using technology to do so. This idea is inevitably what led to the fall of ancient Greece and Rome.

            Today, history does seem to repeat itself. Many compare American ideals to that of ancient Greece and Rome. America gained its power through economic triumph and new forward-thinking technologies, such as the production line. During World War II, America was also pumping out new ideas (helped to pull the USA out of depression) to outmatch the enemy.  When the space race came around during the 50s, Russia launched Sputnik, which prompted the US to respond with new and better forms of space technology. Currently, the US has seemed to place its military superiority above technological advancement, which I believe may be the downfall of our nation, similar to that of ancient Greece and Rome.
           In conclusion, the influence of ancient Greece and Rome was able to spread due to their imperialistic view points, and the cultural importance of their technological advances.Within this blog I talk about some of the important technologies, which helped to grow these nations into the great empires they once were.

Sources

http://www.swan.ac.uk/grst/

http://www.englisharticles.info/2010/05/23/greek-and-roman-technologies/

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/266627/Hippocrates

http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/Art/

http://www.unrv.com/culture/architecture.php

http://academicearth.org/courses/roman-architecture

http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/arch/roman_arch.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Roman_architecture

http://www.greatbuildings.com/types/styles/roman.html

http://www.economist.com/node/1337165

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/greece/greek-temples

http://www.greekmedicine.net/whos_who/Hippocrates.html

 Greek and Roman Technology: A Sourcebook (By John William Humphrey, John Peter Oleson, Andrew Neil Sherwood)

Architecture

Greek

Building in ancient Greece were built to show importance. The temples were created with intentional proportions and formal elegance.
Even now, architects continue to model certain buildings off of Greek ancient temples. Examples of such buildings are Museums, government buildings such as court houses, and other structures that are designed to show elegance, importance, and to some extent intimidation. There is a certain allure and powerful energy that such designs express. Such forms of architecture are also symbols of democratic ideals.

The Greeks developed three architectural systems, called orders, each with their own distinctive proportions and detailing. The Greek orders are: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.

Doric   The Doric style is rather sturdy and its top (the capital), is plain. This style was used in mainland Greece and the colonies in southern Italy and Sicily.

Ionic The Ionic style is thinner and more elegant. Its capital is decorated with a scroll-like design (a volute). This style was found in eastern Greece and the islands.

Corinthian The Corinthian style is seldom used in the Greek world, but often seen on Roman temples. Its capital is very elaborate and decorated with acanthus leaves.

Info from http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/Art/

Examples of Greek buildings:

Parthenon

The most famous of ancient Greek temples, the Parthenon still stands today. Millions of dollars have been spent in trying to restore this glorious structure to exactly the way it once stood. A tribute to Athena (the patron goddess), the temple has served many purposes throughout time, such as a military fortress, church, and mosque.


Temple of Athena




The temple of Athena was the first ionic-styled temple to be built on the acropolis. It was smaller in size then the parthenon and was built so that people could worship the goddess of victory, Athena. 

Roman

Roman architecture was fairly similar to that of ancient Greece. They used columns and arches to create massive temples and buildings, which stood tall to represent the power and influence of Rome. The use of cement was also common place, making buildings far more durable then ages past.

Examples of Roman buildings:

Pantheon

The Pantheon was a strategically built structure which has a massive dome ceiling. Vaulted ceilings, arches, and concrete were used to allow the Pantheon to stand for centuries. It is just one of the many marvels of the ancient era that still stands today.

Colosseum

Perhaps the most renown of ancient Roman buildings, the Colosseum, is currently one of the most common tourist attractions. During ancient times it was the equivalent of what we would call a sports stadium, hosting entertainment for spectators, such as fights to the death, and ship battles (they would flood the building).

Weapons and Armor

In ancient Greece, Hoplites, which are what you would call a Greek soldier, were an important element to society. They would constantly be battling neighboring city-states along with other nations outside of Greece.
Ancient Greek soldiers were armored and equipped with weapons made of strong expensive metals in order to gain the upper hand in battle. Even to the most daunting of foes, the technology which they possessed would spread intimidation and fear among their ranks.

 The various types of weapons Greek Infantry would use:

Xiphos

Kopis

Spears

Javelins

Bows

The various types of weapons Roman Infantry would use:

Pugio

 Gladius

Spatha

 

Javelin

Pilum

Bow

Dart