The evolution of innovation

—How Ancient Greek technology has shaped modern engineering and the current relevance of harmony and moderation.—

Ancient Greek technology represents one of the earliest examples of human ingenuity, laying the groundwork for numerous advancements in modern engineering. From groundbreaking inventions like the Archimedes’ Screw, which revolutionized water management, to the Antikythera Mechanism, an early analog computer incorporating a set of gears for its calculations, engineers introduced innovative solutions to a variety of practical challenges. Their work combined a deep understanding of mathematics, physics, and mechanics, setting the stage for the technological advancements that followed in later centuries. Despite the limitations of their era, these ancient innovations demonstrated principles that continue to influence modern engineering fields such as hydraulics, mechanics, and materials science. This article explores key inventions from ancient Greece, focusing on their innovative aspects and their lasting influence on contemporary technologies. By analyzing examples such as the Archimedes’ Screw, Heron’s aeolipile, and Ctesibius’ force pump, this study highlights how the motivation behind technological progress drove innovation, not only addressing the needs of their time but also laying the foundation for technological practices that endure today. The connection between ancient innovation and modern engineering underscores the timeless relevance of these early breakthroughs, providing valuable insights for today’s engineers and innovators.

The Antikythera mechanism. The first known analog computer (~200 BC). Wikimedia.

The period of ancient Greek technological innovation was marked by a unique blend of intellectual curiosity, practical necessity, and a rising culture of trade and communication. Engineers and inventors operated in a society that valued knowledge and learning, where philosophy and science flourished. The city-states of Greece, with their differing needs and resources, created an environment that encouraged practical solutions to everyday problems, whether in agriculture, transportation, or infrastructure.

This era was also characterized by a strong emphasis on mathematics and physics, which became the cornerstone of Greek engineering. The need to solve practical problems — such as irrigation, construction, and navigation — drove the development of new technologies that combined scientific principles with practical application.

The inventions in ancient Greece were driven by various factors, including agricultural needs, urban development, and military applications. Water management systems were essential for sustaining agricultural production and also protection from natural disasters, while advancements in mechanics facilitated construction and navigation.

Water Screw (from the edition of Vitruvius by Fra Giocondo, Venice, 1511) as it appeared in Ten Books on Architecture by Vitruvius, translated by Morris Hicky. Wikimedia.

The Archimedes’ Screw is one of the earliest and most famous examples of Greek engineering. Invented by Archimedes of Syracuse in the 3rd century BCE, this device was designed to lift water from low-lying areas, making it easier to irrigate fields and manage water in various settings. The screw consisted of a helical blade inside a hollow cylinder. When the screw was turned, it scooped water up and transported it to a higher level. This principle allowed water to be lifted with minimal manual effort.

The invention of the Archimedes’ Screw was driven by the need to manage water effectively in agricultural areas, especially in regions where irrigation was essential for crop production. Before this invention, farmers had to rely on manual labor or less efficient systems to move water. The screw mechanism was relatively simple to construct, operate, and maintain, making it a practical solution for widespread use.

The design of the Archimedes’ Screw is still in use today, particularly in irrigation systems, sewage treatment plants, and even in the transfer of grains and other bulk materials. Its principles of rotational motion and fluid dynamics have influenced the development of modern pumps and hydraulic systems. The screw pump’s efficiency, simplicity, and versatility have allowed it to remain relevant for over two millennia.

Illustration from Thurston’s A history of the growth of the steam-engine (1878) illustrating a device described in Heron’s Pneumatica, published in the first century AD. Wikimedia.

Heron of Alexandria, an engineer, mathematician, and inventor, is credited with developing the aeolipile, also known as Hero’s Engine, in the 1st century CE. This device is considered the first recorded example of a steam engine. It consisted of a spherical vessel mounted on a stand, with two bent tubes protruding from it. When water inside the sphere was heated, steam would escape through the tubes, causing the sphere to rotate.

The aeolipile was primarily seen as a novelty or a demonstration of the principles of steam power. Heron was known for creating devices that illustrated scientific concepts, and the aeolipile was no exception. Although it was not used for practical applications in ancient times, it represented a significant understanding of steam pressure and kinetic energy.

While the aeolipile did not lead directly to the development of the steam engine, it demonstrated the potential of steam power to generate motion. This concept would not be fully realized until the industrial revolution, more than a millennium later, when steam engines became the driving force behind major industrial processes. The principles illustrated by Heron’s aeolipile can be seen in modern turbines and engines, where the conversion of steam pressure to mechanical energy is a critical component of power generation.

Replication of Ctesibius’s force pump. Dionisis Kriaris, Noesis, Tessalònica, Grècia.

Ctesibius of Alexandria, often regarded as the “father of pneumatics,” was a Greek inventor and engineer who lived around the 3rd century BCE. He invented the force pump, a device used to move water by creating pressure. The pump consisted of pistons that could draw water up and push it out under pressure, making it effective for tasks such as firefighting, irrigation, and even hydraulic organs (an early form of musical instrument).

The force pump was a response to the need for more efficient water management and distribution. Cities and towns required reliable water systems for daily use, public baths, and fire protection. Ctesibius’ design, which included features such as valves to control the flow of water, was highly innovative for its time. It could be powered manually, making it adaptable to various situations where water needed to be moved over distances or to higher elevations.

The fundamental principles of Ctesibius’ force pump — suction, pressure, and flow control — are still used in modern pump designs. Variations of the force pump can be found in industries ranging from agriculture to municipal water systems and industrial processes. The invention was a clear demonstration of how understanding fluid dynamics could lead to practical solutions, a concept that remains at the heart of hydraulic engineering.

Ancient Greek technology did not develop in isolation from the culture’s philosophical values, which emphasized harmony (armonia) and moderation (metron). These principles, originating in Greek philosophy, were not only theoretical but actively applied in the Greek approach to technology and engineering. For instance, sophisticated water management systems that harmonized with local resources and landscapes, especially in arid regions, such as the water channels and drainage systems in the Agora of Athens were designed to maximize water collection and minimize waste. This emphasis on harmony in engineering resonates with today’s calls for environmentally integrated, low-impact designs.

Similarly, moderation was reflected in Greek choices around material use and energy harnessing. While technological capability existed to construct larger or more elaborate structures, Greek engineers often favored designs that met practical needs without excess. The ethos of using “just enough” materials and energy, without depletion or extravagance, echoes the sustainable practices of today and serves as a reminder of the benefits of resource restraint in the pursuit of long-term viability.

Over the last century, innovation has led to significant advancements in technology, healthcare, and quality of life. However, it has also brought about serious consequences, such as environmental degradation and climate change. The issue lies not with innovation itself, but with how it has been directed. Historically, much of the focus has been on short-term economic gains, often without considering the long-term environmental and social impacts. This approach has resulted in unsustainable practices that have contributed to the current climate crisis.

In contrast, ancient Greek engineers exhibited practices that, while not explicitly intended as sustainable, naturally aligned with many principles we now associate with sustainability. They made extensive use of locally available materials like stone, wood, limestone, marble, and clay, reducing costs and the environmental burden of transporting resources. This not only minimized environmental impact but also ensured the efficient use of what was readily at hand.

Greek engineers were also adept at harnessing renewable energy sources, such as water and wind. They developed water mills for grinding grain and mechanical devices like the Archimedes’ Screw, which used flowing water to transport it uphill—early examples of hydropower. Furthermore, they understood the benefits of the sun’s positioning, designing buildings to maximize natural light and heat. Public structures and homes were oriented to capture sunlight during winter while remaining cool in summer, an early form of passive solar design that reduced the need for artificial heating and cooling.

In their construction practices, Greek engineers aimed to minimize waste by efficiently using materials and labor. Techniques such as precise cutting for columns ensured minimal material wastage, a precursor to modern sustainable engineering practices. Additionally, water, a precious resource in many arid regions of Greece, was managed through advanced systems, including the use of the Archimedes’ Screw for efficient irrigation, which ensured water was directed where it was most needed without waste.

The Greeks also adapted their designs to local environmental conditions. In regions with hot, dry summers, buildings featured thick walls and shaded courtyards to stay cool, while in colder areas, structures were designed to retain heat. This attention to local climates reduced the need for external energy inputs for heating or cooling.

While ancient Greek engineers did not have the modern concept of sustainability, their practices often reflected sustainable principles due to necessity and resource constraints. Their reliance on local resources, efficient energy use, durable designs, and clever adaptation to environmental conditions offered practical solutions that minimized waste and maximized the use of available resources.

Today, as we strive to create a more sustainable future, there is much to learn from these ancient practices. The Greeks demonstrated that efficiency, resilience, and harmony with nature are essential for long-term success. Modern engineers and innovators can draw inspiration from these methods, blending them with new technologies and scientific understanding to tackle today’s environmental challenges.

By embracing harmony and moderation as guiding principles, Greek technology demonstrates an early form of sustainable thinking that modern engineers and designers can still apply today. As the world faces urgent environmental issues, re-evaluating ancient practices can offer more than historical insight; it can provide a blueprint for integrating sustainability into every aspect of design and resource management.

Ioannis Kakogiannos
University of West Attica

How to cite this paper:
Kakogiannos, Ioannis. The evolution of innovation. Sabers en acció, 2024-10-09. https://sabersenaccio.iec.cat/en/the-evolution-of-innovation/.

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