Mechanical engineering in ancient ages - How innovative technologies were enhanced by violence and warfare leading to imperialism

Abstract

From time immemorial advancement of civilization had been guided by advancement of technology. Innovative technology became vital for survival to kill prey, predator and to fight against enemies. Even during prehistoric age man invented Boomerang and Harpoon. Primitive inventions came one after another e.g. wooden and stone tools, knife and dagger, bow and arrow, spear and sword etc. In every man there is an emperor who urges him to command and control others and expand his horizon. This quality inherent in a man led to violence and warfare to achieve victory. Scientist, Engineers and faceless Metal makers started making new and superior weapons. It ultimately led to imperialism. Initially battles were fought by an army on the open field but in the next stage to defend the city from external aggression forts, walls and towers were made for castle and city. In the next phase, as a counter move, to win over the fortification siege warfare was initiated. For successful siege attack, siege engine like catapult, siege tower, battering ram etc. were made in early ancient age by the Greeks and Romans. It was great success for emperors like Alexander the Great.