Ancient Greek technology

However, peaceful uses are shown by their early development of the watermill, a device which pointed to further exploitation on a large scale under the Romans.

[6] The technology, which demonstrated the Greek understanding of the importance of hygienic conditions to public health, was part of an elaborate drainage system and underground water supply network.

[6] The Greeks developed extensive silver mines at Laurium, the profits from which helped support the growth of Athens as a city-state.

Elaborate washing tables still exist at the site, which used rainwater held in cisterns and collected during the winter months.

The extracted ore were lifted by small skips hauled by a rope that was sometimes guided by a wheel placed against the rim of the mine shaft.

The watermill , as the first machine harnessing natural forces (apart from the sail ) and as such holding a special place in the history of technology , [ 1 ] was invented by Greek engineers sometime between the 3rd and 1st centuries BC. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] [ 4 ] Here a Roman gristmill as described by Vitruvius .