Top 8 Ancient Roman Technologies | History Countdown

Summary

The script explores eight remarkable Roman innovations that have stood the test of time, including the Acta Diurna, an early form of daily newspaper; the enduring legacy of Roman concrete in structures like the Coliseum; the extensive road system that facilitated trade and military campaigns; the invention of the codex, revolutionizing book-making; advanced Roman plumbing systems; the pioneering welfare system under Emperor Trajan; Hero of Alexandria's early vending machine; and the sophisticated surgical tools that gave the Romans an edge in medical treatment.

Takeaways

• 📰 The Romans created the Acta Diurna, an early form of daily newspapers, which were initially private accounts of senate meetings but later became public documents featuring social, political, and criminal events.
• 🏟 Roman concrete is renowned for its longevity and resistance to erosion, especially in seawater, due to a unique combination of slaked lime and volcanic ash that allows it to set quickly and thrive underwater.
• 🛣 The Roman Empire is known for its extensive road system, which at its peak spanned 50,000 miles, facilitating efficient trade, communication, and military movement.
• 📚 Romans were pioneers in the creation of bound books, called codices, which revolutionized the way information was stored and disseminated, predating the invention of the printing press.
• 💧 Roman advancements in plumbing included the construction of aqueducts to supply freshwater and an underground system of lead pipes and sewers to manage waste.
• 🍞 The Roman welfare system, beginning with lex frumentaria and later alimenta, provided subsidized grain and financial support to citizens, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to social welfare.
• 🤖 Hero of Alexandria, a Roman-era mathematician, is credited with inventing one of the first vending machines, which dispensed holy water in temples as an early form of automated commerce.
• ⚕️ Roman surgical tools, developed as early as 79 CE, were remarkably advanced, including instruments like scalpels, forceps, and speculums, which were used for procedures such as C-sections and early forms of plastic surgery.
• 🏛 The architectural legacy of the Roman Empire endures in structures like the Coliseum and the Pantheon, showcasing the empire's engineering prowess and the durability of Roman concrete.
• 🔍 The Romans did not invent roads, but they perfected their design and construction, creating a vast network that contributed significantly to the empire's strength and longevity.
• 📖 The transition from scrolls to the Roman codex was a significant development in the history of books, making information more portable and accessible.

Q & A

What was the Acta Diurna and how did it relate to modern newspapers?

The Acta Diurna was a daily document generated and distributed by the Romans, closely resembling our modern newspapers. It was initially a private account of senate meetings but was made public by Julius Caesar in 59 BC, featuring social, political, and criminal events relevant to the average citizen.

What is unique about Roman concrete and how has it contributed to the longevity of their structures?

Roman concrete is unique due to its resistance to erosion by seawater, which has allowed structures like the Coliseum and the Pantheon to stand for centuries. It contains a combination of slaked lime and volcanic ash that causes a chemical reaction, enabling the concrete to dry quickly and thrive underwater.

How did the Roman road system contribute to the longevity and power of the Roman Empire?

The Roman road system, with its extensive network stretching up to 50,000 stone paved miles, allowed for efficient communication, trade, and troop movement. These roads facilitated quick transmission of messages and orders, contributing to the empire's status as a world power for over 800 years.

What was the significance of the Roman invention of the codex in the history of books?

The Roman invention of the codex, which is a bound book of stacked pages, was a significant advancement in the history of books. It made information more portable and accessible, eventually leading to the widespread adoption of this format, including the production of Bible copies by early Christians.

How did the Romans advance the concept of plumbing with their aqueducts and sewer systems?

The Romans developed the first modern plumbing system by building aqueducts to bring freshwater into the city and laying lead pipes and large sewers underground to manage waste. This system supplied public wells, baths, and homes, setting a high standard for sanitation and cleanliness.

What was the Roman welfare system called and how did it function?

The Roman welfare system was called alimenta, which was established under Emperor Trajan in 98 CE. It distributed funds to the poor and provided food for poor children throughout Italy, aiming to support fairness and prosperity within the empire.

Who was Hero of Alexandria and what is one of his notable inventions?

Hero of Alexandria was a mathematician and physicist known as 'the Father of Physics.' One of his notable inventions was the first known vending machine, which dispensed holy water in temples upon the insertion of a coin.

What surgical advancements did the Romans make and how did these tools impact their military?

The Romans developed a range of surgical tools resembling modern counterparts, including scalpels, bone forceps, and catheters. These advancements allowed them to successfully treat previously deadly injuries, giving the Roman military a significant advantage on the battlefield.

What was the first known use of concrete by the Romans and how did it set the foundation for their empire?

The Romans' first known use of concrete dates back to the construction of their infrastructure and buildings. Its durability and resistance to erosion set the foundation for the empire, allowing structures to withstand the test of time.

How did the Romans' mastery of road engineering benefit their empire?

The Romans' mastery of road engineering allowed for the construction of straight, efficient roads that facilitated rapid communication, trade, and military movement. This contributed to the stability and expansion of the Roman Empire.

What criticisms did Cicero have about the Acta Diurna and how did they reflect on modern journalism?

Cicero criticized the Acta Diurna for containing too much gossip and not enough hard facts. This reflects on modern journalism, where there can be a focus on sensationalism over accurate and in-depth reporting.