Discussion I. The Classical Greek Philosophers (400B.C.-400 A.D.)

DISCUSSION

I. The Classical Greek Philosophers (400B.C.—400 A.D.)
Location: Greece is a country in Southern Europe located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and
Africa. Its mainland is located at the southernmost tip of Balkan Peninsula.

Science and Technology Development:

Here are some of the Great Greek Philosophers that helped in the development of science
and technology during Ancient times.
a. Thales of Miletus (638-548 B.C.) developed the theory of matter based upon water
b. Socrates (470-399 B.C) emphasized the study of human nature in relation to society;
established the theory of skepticism.
c. Empedocles (493-433 B.C.) assumed that there were more than one kind of matter and
postulated four roots of elements: earth, air, fire and water.
d. Hippocrates about 400 B.C. started the science of medicine and is known as the greatest
physician of antiquity and regarded as the father of medicine. He stated that diseases have
natural causes and the body has the power to repair itself. His name is always associated
with Hippocratic Oath, an oath traditionally taken by newly graduate physicians to
observe the ethical standards of their profession, specifically to seek to preserve life.
e. Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) regarded as the father of Biology, undertook a large-scale

classification of plants and animals. He introduced a method of scientific thinking that
still plays a role today. Engrossed himself in studying many areas of science like Physics,
Astronomy, Meteorology, etc. His “scala naturae” or Great Chain of Being is one of the
first theories in biology. The species form a scale from simple to complex putting animals
that laid warm and wet creatures alive as the highest form but evolution is not possible.
f. Archimedes (287-212 B.C.) — performs experiments which led him to discover the laws
of the lever and the pulley that resulted in the invention of machines which could easily
move loads. He calculated the value of pi, which was a geometrical calculation that
helped determine the width, or circumference. He excelled in geometry, calculus,
theoretical mathematics, hydrostatics and displacement.
g. Ptolemy, about 100 A.D. — one of the greatest Geocentric theory (Earth-centered) and
wrote the Almagest.
h. Democritus — developed atomic theory; elaborated idea that matter consisted of atoms.
i. Pythagoras (497-581 B.C) - Mathematician, held that numbers were basic to matter, the
Pythagorean Theorem.
j. Plato dealt with the nature of the universe; ascribed geometric forms composed of
bounding planes to the elements of earth, fire, air and water based upon their physical
properties.
k. Aristarchus: Both a mathematician and an astronomer, Aristarchus discovered new

theories about the way the planets move in their orbits. Aristarchus thought that even
though the earth revolved around the sun, it also spun on its own axis, or spin-point, as it
followed its orbit around the sun.
l. Hipparchus discovered the length of the month which is only one second off from the
length that we use today.
m. Eratosthenes determined that the circumference of (the distance around) the earth was
28,000 miles, which is only three thousand miles more than what we know today.
n. Theophrastus regarded as father of plant science, wrote “History of Plants in which he

described the forms, behaviour, morphology, and properties of some 500 food and
medicinal plants. Most outstanding botanist of the early botany. He wrote “Causes of
Plants in which he described grafting methods, seeds, effect of temperature upon plants,
the relations of weather to soil and the taste and perfumes of plants. The manuscript also
deals with the medicinal uses of plant.

II. Persian Civilization
Location: Persia is the former name of Iran. The Persian Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great in
the 6th century BC, was the largest empire of the ancient world, stretching from the borders of
India and China in the east to large parts of Greece and Libya in the west. The culture of Persians
is one of the oldest in the Middle East.

Persia has one of the richest art heritages in world history and encompasses many
disciplines including architecture, painting, weaving, pottery, calligraphy, metalworking and
stonemasonry. Persian rugs have always been a vital part of the Persian culture.

a. Nas’taliq is the most beautiful Persian Calligraphy style and also technically the most
complicated. Even the second popular Persian calligraphy style i.e. “Cursive Nas'taliq or
Shekasteh Nas’taliq."
b. Pottery — The taste and talent of the Persian people can be seen through the designs of
their earthen wares, ceramic art objects such as figures, tiles, and tableware made from
clay and other raw materials.
c. Domes were an important part and constructed on the first large-scale in Persia. The outer
surfaces of the domes are mostly mosaic faced, which creates a magical view.
d. Various structures such as mosques, mausoleums, bazaars, bridges, and different palaces
have mainly survived from this period.
e. A wind tower is a chimney-like structure positioned above the house to catch the
prevailing wind.

III. Roman Civilization
Location: Rome is the capital of ltaly. Roman civilization is characterized by a government
headed by emperors and large territorial holdings around the Mediterranean Sea in Europe,
Africa and Asia. Today it is known as ‘the eternal city Latin is the language spoken by Romans.

a. The Romans used water power, and watermills for making cereals milling, sawing timber
and crushing ore. They exploited wood and coal for heating.
b. The Romans made great use of aqueducts, dams, bridges, and amphitheaters.
c. The Romans constructed numerous aqueducts to supply water. The city of Rome itself
was supplied with eleven aqueducts made of limestone that provided the city with over 1
million cubic meters of water each day, sufficient for 3.5 million people even in modern-
day times.
d. Romans dedicated their many resources to the study of astronomy, astrology, geography,
and other sciences. Their contributions were crucial to future generations and have helped
us collect the knowledge we have today.
e. Ancient Roman used sundials to tell time and even created portable versions. They also
used tools for measuring, manual drills, and metal spikes (used as nails).
f. Advanced glassblowing techniques brought new technology to Rome in the form of
window glass, hanging glass oil lamps, and other objects made of glass.
g. Rome’s military benefited from technological improvements to weapons, shields, armour,
and other items.
h. Some of the Notable Roman Scientists
1. Galen (129-199 AD.) — Great physician and surgeon; Galen influenced the development
of various scientific disciplines, including anatomy, physiology, pathology,
pharmacology, and neurology, as well as philosophy and logic.
2. Vitruvius is another writer whose work has provided us with important knowledge about
Ancient Rome. He was also an architect and engineers sometimes referred to as the first
architect.
3. Pliny — described almost a thousand species of plants, most of which were highly
valued for their medicinal uses.

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DISCUSSION

e. Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) regarded as the father of Biology, undertook a large-scale

k. Aristarchus: Both a mathematician and an astronomer, Aristarchus discovered new

n. Theophrastus regarded as father of plant science, wrote “History of Plants in which he

h. Some of the Notable Roman Scientists

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