Title:
Archaeological Studies in Ancient Technology
Stream:
Archaeology
Ancient Written Sources of Technology in the Classical World; Primary Technologies: mining and metallurgy, quarrying and stone work ing, sources of energy, agriculture; Secondary processes and manufacturing: food processing, metal working and tools, wood working, textile production, ceramic production, glass production; Technologies of movement: land and sea transport.
Text Books:
1) Forbes, R.J, Studies in Ancient Technology (Vol. I to VIII), Leiden, E,J Brill, 1964-72.
2) Oleson John Peter (ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Engineering and Technology In the Classical World, Oxford University Press, 2008.
References:
Ziman J, Technological Innovation as an Evolutionary process, Cambridge University Press, 2000.
The main aim of the course in to introduce students to the study of ancient technological accomplishments and to understand the evolution of the technical capabilities of the human society. With these technical capabilities human beings modified the physical world according to their need. Was this a survival instinct or an adaptation of a pleasurable lifestyle? Ancient philosophers have opined that technological activities were inextricable bound up with the roots of human biology. The course will help students to understand the genesis of technology and build up discourses on its favourable use
