THE CONTRIBUTIONOF

GREEK, PERSIAN AND

ROMANS IN THE
DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY
I. The Classical Greek Philosophers ( 4000 B.C- 4000 A.D)
Location: Greece is a country in Southern Europe, located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and
Africa. Its mainland Is located at the southernmost tip of the Balkan Peninsula.
Science and Technology Development:
Here are some of the Great Greek Philosophers that helped in the development of science and
technology during Ancient Times.
a. Thales of Miletus ( 638-548 B.C.) developed the theory of matter base upon water .

b. Socrates (470-399 B.C) emphasized the study of human nature in relation to society;
established theory of skepticism.
c. Empedocles ( 493-433 B.C) assumed that there were more than one kind of matter and
postulated four roots of elements: earth, air, fire and water.
h. Democritus – developed atomic theory; elaborated idea that matter consisted of atoms.

i. Pythagoras( 497-581 B.C) mathematician held that numbers were basic to matter;

j. Plato dealth with the nature of the universe; ascribed geometric forms of composed of bounding
planes to the elements of earth, fire, air and water based upon their physical properties.
k. Aristarchus; both a mathematician and an astronomer, Aristarchus discovered about the way
the planets move in their orbits. Aristarchus thought that even though the Earth revolved around
the sun, it spin on its own axis or spin-point as it followed its orbit around the sun.

l. Hipparchus discovered the length of the month which is only one second off from the length
that we use today.
m. Erastothenes determined that the circumference of the earth was 28,000 miles, which is only
three thousand miles more that what we know today.

n. Theophrastus regarded as the father of plant science, wrote “ History of Plants’ in which led
he described the forms of behavior, morphology and properties of some 500 food and medicinal
plants. Most outstanding botanist of the early botany. He wrote “causes of plants” in which he
descried grafting methods, seeds, effects of temperature upon plants, the relations of weather to
soil and the taste and perfumes of plants. The manuscript also deals with the medicinal uses of
plants.
II. Persian civilization
Location: Persia is the former name of Iran. The Persian Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great in
the 6th century B.C was the largest empire of the ancient world , stretching from the borders of
India and China in the east to large parts of Greece and Libya in the west. The culture of Persians
is one of the oldest in the Middle East.
Science and Technology Development:
Persia has one of richest art heritages in the world history and encompasses many
disciplines including architecture, painting, weaving, pottery, calligraphy, metalworking and
stonemansonry. Persian rugs have always been a vital part of the Persian culture.
a. Nas’taliq is the most beautiful Persian Calligraphy style also technically the most
complicated. Even the second popular Persian calligraphy style i.e. “ cursive Nas’taliq” or
“shekasteh Nas’taliq”
b. Pottery- the taste and talent of the Persian people can be seen through the designs of their
earthen wares, ceramic art objects such as figures, tiles and tableware made from clay and othe
raw materials.

c. Domes were an important part and constructed on the first large scale in Persia. The outer
surfaces of the domes are mostly mosaic faced, which creates a magical view.
d. Various structures such as mosques, mausoleums, bazaars, bridges and different palaces have
mainly survived from this period.
e. A wind tower is a chimney-like structure positioned above the house to catch the prevailing
wind.

III. Roman Civilization

Location: Rome is the capital of Italy, Roman civilization is characterized by a government
headed by emperors and large territorial holdings around the Mediterranean. Sea in Europe.
Africa and Asia. Today it is known as “eternal city”. Latin is the language spoken by Romans.
Science and Technology Development:
a. The romans used water power and watermills for making cereals milling, sawing timber and
crushing ore. They exploited wood and coal for heating.

b. The romans made great use of aqueducts to supply water. The city of Rome itself was
supplied with eleven aqueducts made of limestone that provided the city with over 1 million
cubic meters of water each day, sufficient for 3.5 million people even in modern day times.
d. Romans dedicated many resources to the study of astronomy, astrology, geography and other
sciences. Their contributions were crucial to future generations and have helped us to collect the
knowledge we have today.
e. Ancient Roman used sundials to tell time and even created portable versions. They also used
tools for measuring, manual drills and metal spikes ( used as nails).

f. Advance glass blowing technique brought new technology to Rome in the form of window
glass, hanging glass oil lamps, and other objects made of glass.
g. Romes military benefited from technological improvements to weapons, shields, armour and
other items.
h. Some of the notable roman scientists
1. Galen – great physician and surgeon; Galen influenced the development of various scientific
disciplines, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and neurology, as well
as philosophy and logic.

2. Vitruvius is another writer whose work has provided us with the important knowledge about
Ancient Rome. He was also an architect and an engineer, sometimes referred to as the first
architect.
3. Pliny described almost a thousand species of plants, most of which were highly valued for
their medicinal uses.