Ancient Discoveries

This History Channel-aired series challenges the notion that all of the major discoveries in science and technology occurred in the modern era, offering substantial evidence of Greco-Roman ancient knowledge in these subject areas. Compiling two mini-seasons, broadcast in 2003 and 2005, each consisting of three 50-minute episodes, the first set looks at “computers” (the mysterious Antikythera mechanism, which used gears to chart the movements of celestial bodies; and the inventor Cytesibius' water clocks), medicine (with an emphasis on the surgical procedures pioneered by Galen of Pergamum), and “robotics” (principally mechanisms designed by Heron of Alexandria for temples and theatrical productions). The second set examines war machines (including various weapons devised by Archimedes of Syracuse, as well as Roman siege engines used in the assault on the Jewish stronghold of Masada in 72 A.D.), shipbuilding (focusing on construction techniques revealed by three of the Emperor Caligula's recovered pleasure barges), and power sources (mostly water wheels and aqueducts, though mention is made of attempts to harness lightning). Boasting a solid mix of narration, scholarly commentary, dramatic recreations, and on-location footage, these episodes raise intriguing questions. Granted, some of the assertions (about the Antikythera “computer,” for instance) are rather extravagant, and the suggestion that Greco-Roman civilization was on the brink of an industrial revolution before its collapse seems overstated, but overall, this is an interesting, handsomely-produced set. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)