What were the key technologies and major technical achievements of classical Greek antiquity? This course examines crucial technological wonders from ancient Greece, focusing on: temple construction (the Parthenon), the mastery of fire for bronzes (the Delphi Charioteer) and ceramics (the Euphronios Vase), and the transformation of marble into sculptures (the Aphrodite of Melos). We will look at the qualities of the raw materials used, the technological know-how of ancient craftspeople, the scientific principles of their work, the interconnection of various crafts, as well as the social, political, and cultural milieus that promoted their breakthroughs. The course also explores their workshops, toolkits, apprenticeship structures, and technological treatises. Ancient evidence (archaeological, visual, textual) and modern comparisons with traditional crafts will elucidate our discussions of these ancient masterpieces.
