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Ancient Science and Technology

Critical Thinking

Course Description

An overview of ancient science and technology that surveys Greek and Roman perspectives on invention and discovery, the roles of innovation and stagnation in Greek and Roman history, and various ancient technological systems as they functioned throughout Greek and Roman societies.


Athena Title

Ancient Science and Technology


Semester Course Offered

Offered spring


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

1. Students will understand the role of technology in Greek and Roman cultures between the eighth century BC and the sixth century AD 2. Students will gain knowledge of fundamental themes and approaches in the history of technology from study of the Greek and Roman Mediterranean 3. Students will evaluate the importance of discovery and invention, functionality, innovation, technology diffusion and transfer, and stagnation in the Greek and Roman worlds 4. Students will understand ancient technology’s relationships with politics, culture, and environment 5. Students will learn how historians and archaeologists answer questions about the past through evidence-based research 6. Students will produce writing and research appropriate to the subject matter of the course and to the disciplines of classics and archaeology


Topical Outline

I. The sources for ancient technology history: written sources, representations, archaeology II. Approaches to the history of ancient technology: historiography and theory III. Primary extractive technologies: mining, quarrying, energy, agriculture, animals IV. Engineering and complex machines V. Secondary processes and manufacturing: food, metalworking, woodworking, textiles, tanning and leather, ceramics, glass VI. Trade and transport: roads and bridges, ships and navigation VII. Technologies of death: warfare and fortifications VIII. Technologies of the mind: information technology, time, calculation, gadgets


General Education Core

CORE V: Social Sciences

Institutional Competencies

Critical Thinking

The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.



Syllabus