Location via proxy:   [ UP ]  
[Report a bug]   [Manage cookies]                
Scribd
Upload
921 views

Lesson 3: The Contribution of Greek, Persian and Romans in The Development of Science and Technology

The document discusses the contributions of ancient Greek, Persian, and Roman civilizations to the development of science and technology. It notes that Greek philosophers developed theories in many fields and laid the foundations of modern science. It provides examples of influential Greek thinkers and their discoveries. It also describes advances in fields like architecture, art, and engineering made by the Persians and Romans, including aqueducts, glassblowing, and military technology.

Uploaded by

Christian Jay Cusay
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
921 views

Lesson 3: The Contribution of Greek, Persian and Romans in The Development of Science and Technology

The document discusses the contributions of ancient Greek, Persian, and Roman civilizations to the development of science and technology. It notes that Greek philosophers developed theories in many fields and laid the foundations of modern science. It provides examples of influential Greek thinkers and their discoveries. It also describes advances in fields like architecture, art, and engineering made by the Persians and Romans, including aqueducts, glassblowing, and military technology.

Uploaded by

Christian Jay Cusay
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

Lesson 3: The Contribution of Greek, Persian and Romans

in the Development of Science and Technology

3.1 Ancient Greek Civilization


 The Ancient Greeks were extremely interested in learning about the world around
them. Philosophers developed theories about astronomy, mathematics, biology,
geography, and much more.
 The discoveries and inventions of the Ancient Greeks laid the foundation for
modern science and technology.

A. Classical Greek Philosophers (400BeC.-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 the
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 scepticism

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 of a circle. He excelled in geometry, calculus, theoretical
mathematics, hydrostatics and displacement.

g. Ptolemy, about 100 A.D. - one of the greatest astronomers who founded
the 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 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.

3.2 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.
Science and Technology Development:
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.
C. Roman Civilization
Location: Rome is the capital of Italy. 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.
Science and Technology Development:
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 metres 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
 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.
 Vitruvius is another writer whose work has provided us with important
knowledge about Ancient Rome. He was also an architect and an
engineer, sometimes referred to as the first architect.
 Pliny described almost a thousand species of plants, most of which
were highly valued for their medicinal uses.
References:

Aldea, K.I., Caronan, H. P., Candido, M.B. (2018), Science, Technology, and Society
(OBE Ready). Philippines. Books ATbp. Publishing Corp.
Savvy Leo Education Resource. (2020) Retrieved from https://www.savvyleo.com/world-
history/ancient-greece/science-
technology/#:~:text=The%20discoveries%20and%20inventions%20of,for%20modern
%20science%20and%20technology.&text=The%20Ancient%20Greeks%20studied%20t
he,Earth%20was%20a%20round%20globe.&text=He%20also%20figured%20out%20th
at,spheres%20and%20that%20they%20move.

You might also like