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LESSON 4:
THE CONTRIBUTION OF GREEK, PERSIAN AND ROMANS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. The Classical Greek Philosophers

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) develop the theory of matter based upon water.
b. Socrates (470-399 B.C) emphasized the study of human nature in relation to society established the
theory of skepticism.
c. Empedocles (493-433 BC) assumed that there were more than one kind of matter and postulated four
roots of elements: earth, air, fire and water.
d. Hippocrates about 400 BC started the science of medicine and is known as the greatest physician of
antiquity and regarded as the father of medicine. He stated that diseases have natural causes and the body
has the power to repair itself. His name is always associated with Hippocratic Oath, an oath traditionally
taken by newly graduate physicians to observe ethical standards of their profession, specifically to seek to
preserve lives.
e. Aristotle (384-322 BC) regarded as the Father of Biology, undertook a large-scale classification of
plants and animals. He introduced a method of scientific thinking that still plays a role today. Engrossed
himself in studying many areas of science like Physics, Astronomy, Meteorology, etc. His “scala
naturae” or Great chain of Being is one of the first theories in biology. The species form a scale from
simple to complex putting animals that laid warm and wet creatures alive as the highest form but
evolution is not possible.
f. Archimedes (287-212 BC) performs experiments which led him to discover the laws of the lever and the
pulley that resulted in the invention of machines which could easily move loads. He calculated the value
of pi, which was geometrical calculation that helped determine the width, or circumference of a circle. He
excelled in geometry, calculus, theoretical mathematics, hydrostatics and displacement.
g. Ptolemy about 100 AD- one of the greatest astronomers who founded the Geocentric theory (Earth-
centered) and wrote the Almagest.
h. Democritus – developed atomic theory; elaborated idea that matter consisted of atoms.
i. Pythagoras (497-581 BC)- Mathematician, held that numbers were basic to matter; the Pythagorean
Theorem.
j. Plato dealt with the nature of the universe; ascribed geometric forms composed of bounding planes to
the elements of earth, fire, air and water based upon their physical properties.

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k. Aristarchus: Both a mathematician and an astronomer, Aristarchus discovered new theories about the
way the planets move in their orbits. Aristarchus thought that even though the earth revolved around the
sun, it also spun on its own axis, or spin-point, as it followed its orbit around sun.
l. Hipparchus discovered the length of the month which is only one second off from the length that we
use today.
m. Erastosthenes determined that the circumference of (the distance around) the earth was 28,000 miles,
which is only three thousand miles more than what we know today.
n. Theophratus regarded as father of plant science, wrote “History of Plants” in which he described the
forms, behavior, morphology, and properties of some 500 food and medicinal plants. Most outstanding
botanist of the early botany. He wrote “cause of plants” in which he described grafting methods, seeds,
effect of temperature upon plants, the relations of weather to soil and the taste and perfumes of plants.
The manuscripts also deals with medicinal uses of plant.
2. Persian Civilization
Location: Persia is the former name of Iran. The Persian Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6 th
century BC, 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 the richest art heritages in world history and encompasses many disciplines
including architecture, painting, weaving, pottery, calligraphy, metalworking and stonemasonry.
Persian rugs have always been a vital part of the Persian culture.
Persian carpet or Persian rug is a heavy textile, made for a wide variety of utilitarian and symbolic
purpose, produced in Iran (Persia) either for home use or for sale. Carpet weaving is an essential part of
Persian culture. Persian carpets and rugs of various types are famous for their elaborate colours and
artistical design, and are treasured in museums and private collections all over the world today.
a. Nas’taliq is the most beautiful Persian Calligraphy style and also technically the most complicated.
Even the second popular Persian calligraphy style i.e “ Cursive Nas’taliq” or “Shekaste 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 other 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 structure 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.
3. 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 ‘the eternal city.’ Latin is the language spoken by Romans.
Science and Technology Development
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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 metres of water each
day, sufficient for 3.5 million people even in modern-day times.
d. Romans dedicated their many resources to the study of astronomy, astrology, geography, and other
sciences. Their contributions were crucial to future generations and have helped us 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. Advanced glassblowing techniques brought new technology to Rome in the form of window glass,
hanging glass oil lamps, and other object made of glass.
g. Rome’s military benefited from technological improvements to weapons, shields, armour, and other
items.
h. Some of the Notable Roman scientists
1. Galen (129-199 A.D)- 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 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.
Roman roads- The romans primarily built concrete roads for their military. Nearly 30 military highways,
all made of stone, exited their great city. They made 372 roads and connected 113 provinces.

GEC 8- Science, Technology, and Society J. TOLENTINO