Socrates suggested a passive solar design for Greek houses. All openings faced south and roofs were angled north. Houses remained cool during summer since the roof provided shade, and warm during winter since the roof deflected cold north winds and sunlight entered through the south openings.
ancient Greece
Archaeologists have found slingshot…
Archaeologists have found slingshot balls engraved with “Take that!” or “Catch!”, dating from 4th BC Greece.
In Ancient Thebes there was a fairly…
In Ancient Thebes there was a fairly successful band of warriors consisting entirely of 150 gay couples. They were chosen based on the idea that “you fight better when trying to impress your lover”.
In ancient Greece having a second toe that is longer…
In ancient Greece having a second toe that is longer than the big toe was considered a standard of beauty. This condition, today known as Greek Foot, is depicted in many famous statues, such as Michelangelo’s David and the Statue of Liberty.
Wealthy Ancient Greeks sometimes sent their slaves…
Wealthy Ancient Greeks sometimes sent their slaves to sit on the public toilets (made from slabs of marble) to warm it up “in anticipation of their arrival”.
In the month before the ancient Olympics…
In the month before the ancient Olympics no wars were permitted so that spectators could travel from across Greece unharmed.
One of the seven wonders of the world, the Temple…
One of the seven wonders of the world, the Temple of Artemis, was burned down by an arson who wished to be famous for his crime. Following his execution, the Ancient Greeks made it an offense subject to the death penalty to mention his name.
The word ‘gymnasium’ comes from the Greek word…
The word ‘gymnasium’ comes from the Greek word “gymnós”, which literally means “naked.” Athletes competed nude, a practice said to encourage aesthetic appreciation of the male body and a tribute to the gods.
A monk had once written over a book that …
A monk had once written over a book that contained information about calculus in ancient Greece that could have made us 100 or even 1000 years more mathematically and technologically advanced.