TEN ANCIENT GREEK INVENTIONS USED TODAY

              

 

There are umpteen items that we use today that are ancient Greek inventions.  They were primitive inventions but they paved the way for many modern conveniences.

 

1.  THE ALARM CLOCK

Dating back to 429-348 BC ancient Greek philosopher Plato was the first to have an alarm clock.  It should not be confused with today’s digital alarm clocks. His was a “water clock”, the design of which was such that after it had counted the desired time it would play notes from a water organ quite an alarm clock!

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2 AUTOMATIC DOORS

Another invention that one uses constantly is of Greek origin is the automatic doors. Obviously, the ancient automatic doors were powered by steam not by electricity.  Heron of Alexandria created a hydraulic system installed in a temple complete with fire, water and steam so the ropes would be triggered that opened the doors.

 

3.   CEMENT

Although rooted by Romans, from 100 BC onwards the Greeks had invented the first version of cement made of limestone, clay and water.  Ruins of these early structures can be found in the Aegean islands and Asia Minor.

 

4.   CENTRAL HEATING

In antiquity, a Greek version of central heating was used which was later perfected by the Romans.  Basically, slaves would tend to a fire that was burning constantly which created the steam that traveled through a pipe system under the floors.

 

5.   COIN MONEY

The Greeks were the first to create coins made of different materials and therefore having different values instead of bartering various items even animals.

 

6.   THE CRANE

Along with other inventions that eased the tasks of building structures, the ancient Greeks invented the crane in the 6^th century BC.  That obviously helped the lifting of heavy stones and marbles with which they constructed the beautiful temples and other buildings.  The holes that are still evident today in these enormous blocks of stone and marble that were believed to be where they attached the ropes to pull them into place.

 

7.  ANCIENT GREEK MAPS

One of the most important inventions of all times is maps.  During his lifetime from 610-546 BC, Anaximander created maps where he incorporated the concept of longitude and latitude.  Later Helena Eracithenis and Strabo created maps of the then known world at the time in 6.200 BC maps were first produced.

 

8.   SINKS WITH RUNNING WATER

The Greeks invented the first system with running water so they could wash with both hands.  Ancient Greeks were very hygienic and washed thoroughly every day, with clay and aromatic oils and had steam baths. So, naturally, they invented a sink with running water.  They were also the first to have showers and an adequate sewage systems, made of lead pipes from which water was pumped both into and out of large communal showers like those discovered in Pergamos.

 

9.   UMBRELLAS

Depiction detail umbrellas in ancient Greek society made of large bones, wood and plant leaves, were a fact from the 4^th century BC used to block the sun’s rays in ancient times and it was considered “unmanly” for men to carry umbrellas as a symbol of subservience. Eventually these stereotypes subsided as anyone who carries an umbrella on a rainy day is thought to be well organised.

 

10.   VENDING MACHINES

The very first vending machine was invented by Heron of Alexandria in 10-70 AD. He gave us automatic doors as well.  The ancient Greek mathematician and engineer resided in the ancient city of Alexandria, Roman Egypt was one of the greatest experimenters of his time. Of course, back in those days you would place a coin into the slot of the machine for a dose of holy water.    

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