"Understanding Greek and Roman Technology: From Catapult to the Pantheon" Prof. Stephen Ressler (DVD) (24 Lectures / 30 Minutes Per Lecture /  4x DVD - The Great Courses)
 
Understanding Greek and Roman Technology: From Catapult to the Pantheon reconstructs the mechanical triumphs and structural breakthroughs that sustained classical civilization. This course strips away the traditional focus on ancient philosophy and politics to examine the raw hardware, physics, and material science that powered the Mediterranean world. By analyzing the inner workings of specialized machinery—ranging from complex gears and heavy-duty cranes to devastating military siege engines—the material reveals a highly sophisticated culture of innovation. Rather than relying on trial and error, classical craftsmen utilized precise mathematical principles and innovative metallurgy to push the boundaries of what ancient tools could achieve.
 
Beyond individual machines, the curriculum investigates the massive civil engineering projects that defined urban life and projected imperial authority across vast territories. It delivers a masterclass in how ancient builders mastered the physics of arches, vaults, and revolutionary materials like waterproof concrete to erect enduring monuments like the Pantheon. The lectures detail the immense logistical challenges of surveying rugged landscapes for long-distance aqueducts, extracting timber and stone from remote quarries, and organizing massive labor forces. Ultimately, this series demonstrates that the longevity of the Greek and Roman empires relied just as heavily on their brilliant builders and engineers as it did on their armies and statesmen.