Hi Tech inventions of the ancient Greeks
The Museum of Ancient Greek Technology is a must see when visiting Athens! Undoubtedly the contribution of the ancient Greeks in the fields of philosophy, science and fine arts is internationally recognized. However, did you know that the ancient Greeks also made great strides in technology? If you travel to Athens, do not miss the opportunity to admire the technological achievements of the ancient Greeks at the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology located in the center of the capital.
A visit to this museum will make you realize that the beginning of our modern technology lays at the end of the ancient Greek world. In this article we will refer to some of the most important – in our opinion – exhibits of the museum.
The top ancient Greek innovations
Philo’s automatic maid (3rd century BC) is basically the first functional robot of mankind. It is a humanoid robot in the form of a maid (life-size) holding a winemaker in her right hand. When the visitor placed a cup in the palm of her left hand, she automatically poured wine first, which she then mixed with water, in an amount according to the visitor’s desire.
The musical mirror made by Ctesibius in 3rd century BC for his father’s barbershop is another exhibit that will amaze you. The mirror could be moved up and down and balance in any position while producing musical notes.
Plato’s alarm clock is considered to be the first alarm device, invented in the 5th century BC. Such inventions intertwine modern people with the people of antiquity, who apparently had similar needs.
Theater lovers and not only, will be surprised by the static automatic theatre of Heron, which is supposedly the cinema of the ancient Greeks. This is a precise reconstruction of Heron’s static automatic theatre of Philo of Byzantium (3rd century BC) which was improved and described in detail by Heron of Alexandria in his work ” Automatopoetike “. The theater automatically presents the myth of Nauplius who wants revenge on the Achaeans for his son’s death in Troy.
Other Ancient Greek Technology Museums
In the collection you will also find measuring instruments, medical tools, innovative war machines, astronomical instruments, and ancient agricultural tools. Apart from Athens, you can visit the Kotsana Museum in Ancient Olympia, Katakolo, Crete and Rhodes. Mr. Kostas Kotsanas is a qualified mechanical engineer who since 1984 has been dedicated to the research of ancient Greek technology.
The purpose of the museum to highlight the value of the inventions of the Ancient Greeks and their use as cornerstones in modern technology is achieved to the fullest. Leaving the museum, the visitor has realized that by studying our past and the achievements of humanity over time, we gain more confidence in our potential for future development.
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