Ancient Engineering Season 2 Episode 5 Tools & Tech

In season 2 episode 5 of Ancient Engineering, titled "Tools & Tech," viewers are taken on a journey through the development and evolution of tools and technology used by ancient civilizations. Starting with early tools made from stone and bone, the episode explores the creative ways early humans used their environment to create weapons and tools for hunting and gathering.

Moving forward to the Bronze Age, the episode examines the development of metalworking and the creation of new tools and weapons made from bronze. Viewers are introduced to the intricate processes used in pointillism, a technique used to create fine details in bronze sculptures. Examples of Bronze Age technology featured in the episode include bronze swords and spears.

The episode also explores the ancient Egyptians' impressive engineering feats, including the creation of archaic tools such as the chisel and the use of the lever. Viewers are taken inside ancient quarries, where the Egyptians carefully extracted giant stone blocks and transported them across great distances to build the pyramids.

In a fascinating segment of the episode, viewers are introduced to the Antikythera mechanism, an ancient Greek device that was used to calculate the phases of the moon and the position of the planets. The device, which is still shrouded in mystery, is considered by some to be the world's first analog computer.

As the episode progresses, viewers are brought into the Iron Age and the development of ironworking. The great increase in strength and durability provided by iron tools led to significant advances in agriculture, architecture, and warfare. The episode delves into the creation of ancient plows and other iron farming tools, as well as weaponry such as iron swords.

The episode also discusses the revolutionary invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century and its impact on communication and literacy. Viewers will learn about Gutenberg's meticulous process of carving individual letters into blocks, which were then inked and used to print copies.

In a final segment, viewers are introduced to the development of clocks and the role they played in the expansion of trade and exploration. The episode features a look at the mechanism that powers the clock in London's Big Ben, which is one of the largest and most iconic clocks in the world.

Overall, "Tools & Tech" is a captivating look at the ingenuity and resourcefulness of ancient civilizations and their remarkable contributions to the development of tools and technology that continue to influence and shape our world today.