Greek and Roman Technology: A Sourcebook (Paperback)

by John W Humphrey (Author) "The early history of humankind and its technological development is necessarily recorded in terms of vague memories and suppositions..." (more)
Key Phrases: Natural History, Bronze Age, Roman Empire (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
...providing a wide range of the literary sources for ancient technology....
–Religious Studies Review

Product Description
In this volume the contributors translate and annotate key passages from ancient authors to provide a history and analysis of the origins and development of technology. Among some of the topics extensively discussed are energy, food processing and diet, construction and hydraulic engineering, household industry, transport, trade and military technology. The contributors illustrate the beginning of technology in the ancient world by presenting ancient authors and a diverse range of literary genres, including Natural Histories of Pliny the Elder, the poetry of Homer and Hesiod, and the philosophy of Plato, Aristotle and Lucretius.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 648 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (December 18, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415061377
• ISBN-13: 978-0415061377
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #813,174 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating and accessible look at ancient technology., October 3, 1999

By A Customer

_Greek and Roman Technology: A Sourcebook_ by Humphrey, Oleson and Sherwood is a fascinating and yet accessible examination of ancient technology in all its aspects. The sourcebook format is particularly well suited to such a diverse topic, and brings the reader closer to the Greeks and Romans in letting us read their own writings about technology. The authors have amassed a spectacular collection of passages from ancient authors on all aspects of ancient technology: the rise of technology and civilization (including some mythical sources), sources of energy and basic mechanical devices, agriculture, food processing, mining, metallurgy, construction engineering, hydraulic engineering, household crafts and workshop production (metals, wood, ceramics, textiles, etc.), transport and trade, record-keeping, and military technology. The final chapter on "Attitudes towards labour, innovation, and technology" is particularly interesting in light of modern issues. The passages themselves are well translated into readable English and are prefaced by short yet very informative introductions on the subject at hand. There seem to be no missing categories I could think of. A short introduction explains the approach of the book, the sources, and contains an essay on "society and technology in antiquity." There are several thorough indices, which make it a handy reference book and source for further study. Anyone who is genuinely interested in the ancient world or the history of science and technology should enjoy this book. It is eminently dippable and can easily be read a few pages at a time. It would make a great present for a well read friend.