Engineering an Empire Season 1 Episode 2 Greece

Engineering an Empire is a captivating documentary series about the remarkable achievements of ancient civilizations and the ingenuity of their engineers, architects, and builders who created awe-inspiring structures that still stand today. In season 1 episode 2, entitled Greece, we dive into the incredible legacy of the ancient Greek civilization and explore how their engineering prowess helped create one of the world's most enduring civilizations.

From the Olympic games to the Parthenon, Greek achievements are unparalleled in history, and through the lens of engineering, we take a new look at the feats accomplished by these ancient masters. Hosted by Peter Weller, we explore the intricacies of Greek engineering, which was instrumental in the creation of some of the most impressive structures ever built by man.

The episode opens with an overview of the strategic location of Greece - sitting at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The first advanced civilization in Greece was the Minoan civilization, and we see how their construction of the palace of Knossos, the first ever multi-story building, revolutionized design and city planning. Later, after a massive volcanic eruption, we see an incredible feat of engineering that occurred on the island of Santorini. The eruption caused a massive earthquake that destroyed many of the existing buildings on the island, but when the people came back to rebuild, they divided the island to prevent another catastrophe.

The episode then introduces us to the ancient city of Athens and its iconic monument, the Parthenon. We see how the Greeks were able to achieve such remarkable precision in their construction - using a system of ropes, pulleys, and cranes. The Parthenon was not just a temple but also a symbol of Athenian democracy, as the ancient Greeks believed that their gods were their constituents who needed to be appeased, and thus, this temple was essential.

We also learn about the Greeks' obsession with the human body and physical perfection, which is embodied in the games held at Olympia. We see how this tradition began around 776 BC and how the engineers constructed the gymnasiums and stadiums, including the sophisticated heating systems, underground drainage, and indoor swimming pools. We also see how the Greeks' scientific knowledge allowed them to build the Olympic torch, which burns throughout the entire games.

Finally, we explore some of the defensive structures the Greeks built, including the walls of Athens, which ran for almost 10 miles. We see how the engineers used advanced math and art to create sturdy walls that were impossible for enemies to penetrate. Then we discover the coastal city of Piraeus, which the Greeks created as a military base, and it became one of the most significant ports in ancient Greece.

In conclusion, Engineering an Empire season 1 episode 2, Greece, is an illuminating overview of some of the greatest creations of the ancient Greeks - their architecture, engineering, and city planning. We see how the legacy of our civilization is still influenced by the Greeks who made meticulous calculations, used ingenious tools, and constructed complex systems with a mathematical precision still admired today. Their legacy, as host Peter Weller posits, is all around us.