The first recorded observations of comets, solar eclipses and supernovae came from the Chinese. We can thank the Greeks for gears, screws, catapults, and crowbows. The Romans were pioneers in civil engineering and built a highly sophisticated urban civilization. The ancient Egyptians developed simple machines, such as the ramp, to make the construction process easier (After all, the pyramids weren’t built in a day.)
ANCS 330: Ancient Science and Technology investigates the development of ancient technologies like these in many forms. Examine cases in scientific reasoning, geometry, astronomy, engineering, anatomy and medicine, and many more. Studying the history of these innovations, including political, cultural or other factors, will provide insights into related social science fields.
Cross-listed with HIST 330, this course fulfills the Arts and Humanities or the Culture GEP requirement for undergraduates, and can be applied towards either degree program.
