Watch Understanding Greek and Roman Technology: From Catapult to the Pantheon

Name: Understanding Greek and Roman Technology: From Catapult to the Pantheon
Genre: History
Released: 2013-12-13

2013
1 Season

Understanding Greek and Roman Technology: From Catapult to the Pantheon is a fascinating course offered by The Great Courses that delves deep into the engineering and technological advancements of the ancient Mediterranean world. The course is presented by Professor Stephen Ressler, a veteran engineer with over 30 years of experience in civil and military engineering, who has dedicated his career to studying the infrastructure and technology of ancient cultures.

Throughout the course, Professor Ressler takes the audience on a journey through the intricacies of Greek and Roman technology, investigating how ancient societies were able to build monumental structures like the Colosseum and the Parthenon. The course is divided into 24 lectures, each around 30 minutes long, allowing participants to gain a broad understanding of the complex systems at work during this remarkable era of technological advancement.

The first few lectures of the course focus on the early innovations of the Greeks, starting with the invention of the astrolabe and the water clock. Professor Ressler also explores the use of the lever, which was a crucial tool in the construction of many significant works of the time. By understanding the simple yet genius applications of levers, participants can see how the Greeks were able to overcome substantial logistical problems using comparatively primitive technology.

As the course progresses, the focus of the discussion shifts to the more complex technological systems of ancient Rome. Professor Ressler examines the role of aqueducts in Roman society, highlighting how these structures allowed Romans to develop thriving cities in some of the driest parts of the Mediterranean. Additionally, Ressler examines the ingenious construction techniques used to build iconic structures like the Pantheon and the Colosseum, revealing how these buildings were able to withstand the test of time and the elements.

One of the notable aspects of this course is how Professor Ressler builds on each topic from earlier in the curriculum, leading to an in-depth understanding of how ancient Mediterranean society was able to develop elaborate systems of infrastructure, manufacturing, and construction. Another strength of the course is its use of clear, concise language that is accessible to individuals without a particular background in engineering or architecture. The professor's careful explanations and engaging delivery style make the information easily digestible while still remaining complex enough to challenge the most advanced learners.

Participants in the course can also take comfort in the fact that the information presented is well-supported by a wealth of visual and interactive resources. Video demonstrations of simple machines, such as pulleys and gear systems, are used to help illustrate concepts in a more accessible, enjoyable way. Additionally, the professor takes the audience on on-location tours, examining the remaining Roman ruins and artifacts from the era.

Overall, Understanding Greek and Roman Technology: From Catapult to the Pantheon is an indispensable course for anyone interested in gaining an understanding of the technological marvels of the ancient Mediterranean world. Through the use of engaging presentations, informative visuals, and interactive resources, participants leave with a newfound appreciation for the engineering and design techniques used to build some of the most impressive structures in human history.

Understanding Greek and Roman Technology: From Catapult to the Pantheon is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between December 13, 2013 and on The Great Courses

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Seasons

24. The Modern Legacy of Ancient Technology

December 13, 2013

Finish the course by exploring the legacy of classical-era technology, discovering that its influence is everywhere. From roads, aqueducts, and planned cities, to structural trusses, concrete, and the classical architectural style, the fruits of Greek and Roman engineering play a vital role in the modern world.

23. Reconstructing the Greek Trireme

December 13, 2013

The trireme, a swift warship with three banks of oars, ruled the Mediterranean Sea in the 5th century B.C., when the Athenian empire was at its height. Yet only sparse evidence remains for what these vessels were like. Follow a detailed reconstruction based on tantalizing clues.

22. Machines at Sea--Ancient Ships

December 13, 2013

Spurred by their dependence on maritime trade, the ancient Greeks became masters of nautical engineering. Follow the development of their ship design and sailing techniques, which were adopted by the Romans and paved the way for the great age of exploration in the 15th century.

21. Machines at War--Evolution of the Catapult

December 13, 2013

Trace the evolution of the catapult, which overcomes the inherent human physiological limitations associated with the bow and arrow. From hand-operated crossbows, catapults progressed to giant artillery pieces able to shoot enormous arrows and hurl heavy projectiles. Revisit a type of catapult called the palintone from Lecture 1, and watch it in action.

20. Machines at War--Siege Towers and Rams

December 13, 2013

Focus on the ancient world's most technologically intensive form of warfare--the siege--which provided a powerful stimulus for the development of large-scale machines such as siege towers and rams. Analyze several famous sieges, including the Roman attack on Jotapata during the Jewish War.

19. Milling Grain with Water Power

December 13, 2013

By the 1st century A.D., waterwheels were widely used for grinding grain throughout the ancient world. Explore three different types of waterwheels that were perfected by the Romans: the undershot wheel, the overshot wheel, and the vertical-shaft wheel, each with its advantages and disadvantages.

18. Lifting Water with Human Power

December 13, 2013

In antiquity, water pumps were extensively used in ships, mines, and agriculture. Investigate how these devices worked. From Archimedes' screw, to the waterwheel, to the piston pump, each had tradeoffs between flow rate, height of lift, and muscle power required.

17. Leveraging Human Power--Construction Cranes

December 13, 2013

How were giant stone blocks lifted using only muscle power? Examine the technology of classical-era cranes, breaking down their components to understand how they provided significant mechanical advantage. Close with a theory on the construction technique used to stack the massive marble drums of Trajan's Column in Rome.

16. Harnessing Animal Power--Land Transportation

December 13, 2013

Begin a sequence of eight lectures on machines in the ancient world. After an introduction to the simple machines described by the Greeks, focus on land transport employing the wheel and axle. Discover that wagon technology reached a high level of sophistication in the Roman Empire.

15. Paradigm and Paragon--Imperial Roman Baths

December 13, 2013

Complete your exploration of classical-era infrastructure by exploring one of the ancient world's finest examples of an engineered system: the imperial Roman baths. Focus on the magnificent Baths of Caracalla, finished in A.D. 235, by spotlighting the major steps in its five-year construction.

14. Go with the Flow--Urban Water Distribution

December 13, 2013

Trace the flow of water through a major city such as Rome--from the aqueduct to water towers, public fountains, buildings and private residences, and ultimately to sewers. Among the questions you consider: Did the widespread use of lead pipes create a lead poisoning hazard?

13. Engineering a Roman Aqueduct

December 13, 2013

Design an aqueduct for a hypothetical Roman town. First identify a water source. Then consider its elevation and distance to the town, the possible terrain profiles for a channel, and the appropriate type of aqueduct. Conclude by examining the complex system that supplied plentiful water to Rome.

12. From Source to City--Water Supply Systems

December 13, 2013

Delve into the history of water supply technologies. The Greeks solved the problem of transporting water across deep valleys by building inverted siphons. By contrast, the Romans preferred to use arcaded aqueduct bridges whenever possible. Why was this apparently extravagant technique often more practical?

11. Connecting the Empire--Roads and Bridges

December 13, 2013

At its height, the Roman Empire had 75,000 miles of public roads, organized into a system that incorporated way-stations, milestones, triumphal arches, and upward of 1,000 bridges. Investigate how the Romans created this impressive transportation network, parts of which have survived for 2,000 years.

10. Cities by Design--The Rise of Urban Planning

December 13, 2013

Start a series of lectures on infrastructure in the classical world with a look at city planning. The Piraeus in Greece was an influential early example. Analyze the Roman approach to creating a rational order for their cities. Also learn the Roman technique for surveying a city plan.

9. The Most Celebrated Edifice--The Pantheon

December 13, 2013

Conclude your study of great classical-era structures by examining the greatest of them all: the Pantheon in Rome. Imitated but never equaled, this temple to all the gods incorporates Greek as well as quintessentially Roman architectural features. The stupendous dome is a work of engineering genius.

8. The Genesis of a New Imperial Architecture

December 13, 2013

Focus on two structures--Nero's Golden House and Trajan's Market--which are emblematic of Rome's bold new imperial architecture during the 1st and early 2nd centuries. These buildings feature complex vaulted and domed structures, asymmetrical floor plans, and striking interior spaces.

7. Construction in Transition--The Colosseum

December 13, 2013

Built in the A.D. 70s, the Colosseum reflects a transitional period of Roman building technology. Follow the construction of this mammoth arena from the ground up. Begin with the geometry of the building. Then focus on its blend of traditional and state-of-the-art construction techniques.

6. Construction Revolution--Arches and Concrete

December 13, 2013

Learn how the physics of the arch solves the problem of the tensile weakness of stone. Then see how standard bricks and concrete greatly simplify and reduce the cost of monumental building. These technologies were the key to Rome's construction revolution.

5. From Temple to Basilica--Timber Roof Systems

December 13, 2013

No wooden roof of a Greek temple has survived from antiquity, yet we can surmise a great deal about how these impressive structures were engineered. Trace how Greek and later Roman architects covered large interior spaces with increasingly sophisticated timber roof systems.

4. Stone Masonry Perfected--The Greek Temple

December 13, 2013

Focus on the classical-era temple, one of the crowning achievements of Hellenic civilization. Where did it originate? Why are the many examples so architecturally consistent? What were the principles of Greek temple design? And what were its structural limitations?

3. From Quarry to Temple--Building in Stone

December 13, 2013

Gain a deeper appreciation for the ancient world's most important construction material by following a block of stone from a quarry to its final resting place in the wall of a Greek temple. Learn how stone blocks were extracted from solid bedrock, moved many miles, and then fitted together without mortar.

2. The Substance of Technology--Materials

December 13, 2013

Study the engineering materials available in classical antiquity. First look at the simple physics of compression and tension. Then consider six specific materials: stone, wood, clay, copper, bronze, and iron. Examine how they came into use and how their properties influenced the design of technological systems.

1. Technology in the Classical World

December 13, 2013

Begin your exploration of ancient Greek and Roman engineering by probing the technological edge that allowed the Greeks to beat the Persians at the Battle of Salamis. Then survey the aims of the course and preview an impressive piece of technology that you will encounter in a later lecture.

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Where to Watch Understanding Greek and Roman Technology: From Catapult to the Pantheon

Understanding Greek and Roman Technology: From Catapult to the Pantheon is available for streaming on the The Great Courses website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Understanding Greek and Roman Technology: From Catapult to the Pantheon on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime, Amazon and Hoopla.