While technology has roots going far back into the beginnings of homo sapiens, the classical (Greek and Roman) period and the early Middle Ages mark the emergence of a particularly Western technology, with profound implications for the subsequent history of Europe and the European peoples. You want to pay close attention to understanding how the technology of the West began to take on special characteristics in this period. You also want to come up with some clear ideas about the differences between the Greek and the Roman attitudes toward technology, and how the technologies of early Christian Europe helped to shape medieval society.
Basic readings:
One of the most fascinating figures in the history of classical science and technology is Archimedes. You can explore a range of contributions, both in mathematics and in technology at the Archimedes site. Go there and choose at least one topic for reading and exploration.
There are a number of sites available for exploring the history of Roman engineering. One useful site was prepared for a course in Roman architectural history at UCSB. Look at this Roman Building site and explore two of the eight possible topics there. You can explore your topics a bit more on other sites-- find one on your own, via Google or some other search engine, or use the British "History Learning Site." Go to their page on Roman Engineering and look at one of the discussions linked there (Roads, baths, etc.). A very detailed site is also available for those interested in Roman Aqueducts: the Waters of Rome site at the University of Virginia requires some effort to navigate, but it is worth taking a look at to see how extensive research has been in this area.
For a larger perspective on Greek and Roman technology, check out this overview from a British professor.
When
you come to section, be prepared to discuss Archimedes, and to report on at
least one Roman exploration. Write a paragraph explaining the relevance of
Archimedes to our complete understanding of science and technology in the Classical
period. In addition, describe the key points of your Roman exploration and
explain why you selected this material--this should be at least two additional paragraphs.
