Contributions of the Greeks

Nevertheless, the Greek architecton made the first notable advance toward professional stature. He was recognized as a master builder and construction expert with knowledge and experience beyond the scope of the average citizen. 

The Greek peninsula was so cut up by mountain ranges that land communication was difficult. The Greeks turned to the sea to become the first great harbor builders. Herodotus described a great breakwater or mole that was constructed to protect the harhor at Samos. The breakwater was 400 yards long and was built in water 120 feet deep (9). This represents the first recorded construction of an artificial harbor, and it was to become a prototype in harbor planning even into modern times (20). 

The Greeks interest in navigation later led to the building of the first lighthouse in the world, the Pharos at the port of Alexandria (20). This 370-foot-high structure, built about 300 b.c., was known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. 

The builders of the Greek temples must have used timber frames and manual hoists that were equipped with capstans and pulleys similar to those used in 

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Sason You know, Racheli, chemists are very funny about inventing terms. When they want to make a term sound important, they resort to Greek or Latin. This is a cultural habit that was (maybe still is) common in the western world, presumably because of the veneration to the contribution of the Greeks and the Romans to the western culture. But how many of your friends know Latin these days ... 

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