Tag: Archimedes

The Siege of Syracuse – The Romans acquire control of Sicily

At the time (215-214 B.C.) that Epicydes and Hippocrates seized on Syracuse, alienating themselves and the rest of the citizens from the friendship of Rome, the Romans, who had already heard of the fate of Hieronymus, tyrant of Syracuse, appointed Appius Claudius as propraetor, entrusting him with the command of the land forces, while they put their fleet under that of Marcus Claudius Marcellus. Continue reading “The Siege of Syracuse – The Romans acquire control of Sicily” →

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The genius of Archimedes; Sun-focusing mirrors and Steam cannons – The legend tested by modern Science

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” →

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Modern laser science brightened by 2,300-year-old technology

An active field of research, laser optical trapping works to control the movement and position of particles of different sizes and shapes. The ability to move small particles in a precise and controlled manner is important to both basic and applied science. For example, the ability to control the movement of single atoms can be used to realize quantum computing, and the research also contributes to the study of biological specimens and pollutants. Continue reading “Modern laser science brightened by 2,300-year-old technology” →

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