This post is a summary of information on two legendary inventions of Archimedes, the ancient Greek mathematician and engineer; the Sun-focusing mirrors and the Steam cannon, both used to defend Syracuse from the Romans. Science has tested whether or not inventions like these were possible (and, to what extent, effective) back then. Continue reading “The genius of Archimedes; Sun-focusing mirrors and Steam cannons – The legend tested by modern Science”
Archimedes; a biography
This post is dedicated to Archimedes, one of the most brilliant scientific minds of all time. Our reader can find here basic information on this quite influential figure of Ancient Greek Science. Continue reading “Archimedes; a biography”
The sound effect of ancient Greek theatrical masks
In this article we present selected parts of the very interesting paper “The sound effect of ancient Greek theatrical masks“, by Fotios Kontomichos, Charalampos Papadakos, Eleftheria Georganti, Thanos Vovolis. Continue reading “The sound effect of ancient Greek theatrical masks”
Study explains the Epidaurus’ theater acoustic marvel
As the ancient Greeks were placing the last few stones on the magnificent theater at Epidaurus in the fourth century B.C., they couldn’t have known that they had unwittingly created a sophisticated acoustic filter. Continue reading “Study explains the Epidaurus’ theater acoustic marvel”
The astronomical orientation of the urban plan of Alexandria
Alexander the Great founded the city of Alexandria in 331 B.C. It would later become hugely prosperous, home of the Queen-Pharaoh Cleopatra, famous for its magnificent Museum (Library) and for its 450-foot-tall (140 meters) Lighthouse, one of the wonders of the ancient world. Continue reading “The astronomical orientation of the urban plan of Alexandria”
Ancient faeces reveal parasites described in earliest Greek medical texts
Ancient faeces from prehistoric burials on the Greek island of Kea have provided the first archaeological evidence for the parasitic worms described 2,500 years ago in the writings of Hippocrates – the most influential works of classical medicine. Continue reading “Ancient faeces reveal parasites described in earliest Greek medical texts”