Greeks In Antiquity - Technological Advancements
Greeks In Antiquity - Technological Advancements
When we think of technological innovations, we tend to think of the future. A world where robots work for humans, computers are everywhere and the Earth is a clean, intelligent place seems to be something that could only be seen at some future date. However, there was once a civilization that had already achieved many of the things that we are just now seeing as possible for society: the ancient Greeks. Thousands of years ago, the Greeks had already achieved feats of science that we are now seeing as possibilities.
One of the interesting advances that is just now being replicated is the robot. Robots may be seen today as an invention of the late 20th century, but actually, one of the first automatons spoken of was Talos, a mythical robot figure. This robot, whose name means "sun", was a gift to King Minos of Crete. Talos was said to have been able to tour Crete three times a day (that's 250 kilometers per hour!) and was built to protect the area from its enemies. While Talos's actual existence is not documented, coins with his likeness have been found in various parts of Greece.
Another advancement that is quite astounding is the invention of automatic doors. This technology was not started in grocery stores and shopping malls, rather, it was first employed in the service of gods and goddesses. In order to reinforce devotees' beliefs in specific god figures, some temples were built (mainly designed by Heronas and Ktsivios) with doors that would automatically open after an offering was made - this was to show the believer that their god was there and performing miracles right in front of them.
Heronas of Alexandria was not just the originator of the automatic door. A Greek mathematician, he also designed many other simple machines and hydraulic devices. Heronas was also responsible for the first steam engine, which he designed and operated in the first century BC. The device he designed ran off of the same principles that jet engines do today!
Ancient Greek technological advancements can be seen as a foreshadowing of much of our current technological advances and ideas. The amazing thing is that the Greeks were able to develop these devices without the advantage of modern thinking and principles, using just rudimentary knowledge of the sciences and the world around them.
Related Tags: history, greece, technological, advancements, inventions, ancient, cultural, robot, automatic door
Richard Monk is with Facts Monk - a site with facts about everything.
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