30 July 2020 - 31 October 2021
For technology, the period between the 3rd century BC and the 1st century AD was an especially productive stage in the development of ancient science. This period saw the birth of countless innovative ideas in what almost amounted to a technological revolution, and a forgotten revolution at that. Nowadays, after all, we are no longer aware of how the inventions of the modern period, and possibly even the machines, tools and appliances that we use today are often rooted in Antiquity. It was also forgotten, as certain ideas, perhaps ahead of their time, remained only the experiments of geniuses and consigned to oblivion already in the ancient world. At the same time, however, other innovations became integral parts of everyday life. The ancient engineers drew plans, used a uniform system of measurement, determined gradients, constructed angles and right-angles, and measured time and the distance travelled. They built aqueducts to bring fresh water from springs to Roman cities, constructed roads which came to define the later topography, provided streets with sewers, raised enormous vaulted and domed buildings, and moved around heavy weights with levers and pulleys. They made heating and hot water everyday comforts at least in the baths, and pumped water from mines and wells. They created various machines and devices and invented the organ. This was also the age when the first robots were built and plans for the world’s first ‘car’ were made. The exhibition introduces visitors to this forgotten, but exceptionally exciting world.
Our Ingenious inventions – Innovative ideas online exhibition remains open, and can be viewed HERE.
Curator: Gabriella Fényes
