Description
Book SynopsisPeoples 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
Trade Review
"In this conversationally engaging volume, Baker has deftly collected the many materials, machines, and technological applications that defined and enriched the lives of those dwelling in the Ancient Near East into the Roman Era. Based firmly on a wide array of literary, artistic, and archaeological sources, Technology of the Ancient Near East provides an essential piece of the puzzle of the society, culture, and history of the region, and it fills a longstanding gap on the bookshelves of all who are interested in the history of technology, ideas, and the human quest to manipulate the natural world."
- Georgia Irby, The College of William and Mary, USA
"In this conversationally engaging volume, Baker has deftly collected the many materials, machines, and technological applications that defined and enriched the lives of those dwelling in the Ancient Near East into the Roman Era. Based firmly on a wide array of literary, artistic, and archaeological sources, Technology of the Ancient Near East provides an essential piece of the puzzle of the society, culture, and history of the region, and it fills a longstanding gap on the bookshelves of all who are interested in the history of technology, ideas, and the human quest to manipulate the natural world." - Georgia Irby, The College of William and Mary, USA
"Baker should be commended not only for bringing attention to technologies from the Near East, but also for highlighting different types of technologies that had an impact on daily life... this textbook is a valuable addition to the fields of ancient technology, Near Eastern studies and archaeology, and I intend to assigns sections of it in my own ancient technology courses." - The Classical Journal
"An aspect of the book that will stimulate students is Baker’s consistent effort to highlight the relevance of studying ancient technologies. She does this by drawing parallels with modern techniques and tools and by tracing the long history of the use of certain materials. She also reflects on how the media and educational programming like the Discovery Channel episodes have framed the modern public’s ideas about ancient technologies. Overall, the book is a useful starting point for students interested in learning about the materials and technologies of the Bronze and Iron ages in the Near East." - Bryn Mawr Classical Review
Table of ContentsList of Figures; Acknowledgements; Maps; Chronology of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Canaan, and Greece; 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
