Description
Peoples of the distant past lived comfortably in cities that boasted well-conceived urban planning, monumental architecture, running water, artistic expression, knowledge of mathematics and medicine, and more. Without the benefits of modern technology, they enjoyed all the accoutrements of modern civilization.
Technology of the Ancient Near East brings together in a single volume what is known about the technology behind these acheivements, based on the archaeological, textual, historic, and scientific data drawn from a wide range of sources, focusing on subjects such as warfare, construction, metallurgy, ceramics and glass, water management, and time keeping. These technologies are discussed within the cultural, historic, and socio-economic contexts within which they were invented and the book emphasises these as the foundation upon which modern technology is based. In so doing, this study elucidates the ingenuity of ancient minds, offering an invaluable introduction for students of ancient technology and science.
Table of Contents
List of Figures
List of maps
Acknowledgements
Maps
Chronological Charts
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Early Technologies
Chapter 3 Stone
Chapter 4 Wood
Chapter 5 Metals
Chapter 6 Bonding Agents: Glue, Plaster, Mortar, Cement, Bitumen
Chapter 7 Engineering, Machines, Power, and Energy
Chapter 8 Construction
Chapter 9 Warfare
Chapter 10 Textiles
Chapter 11 Ceramic and Glass Technology
Chapter 12 Water Management and Technology
Chapter 13 Medicine
Chapter 14 Daily Life
Chapter 15 Transportation
Chapter 16 Timekeeping
Chapter 17 Food as Technology
Chapter 18 Writing/Arts, Weights/Measures, and Currency
Chapter 19 Summary and Discussion
Bibliography
Index
