Machine Room of the Gods: How Our Future Was Invented

Ancient cultures of East Asia, Near and Middle East, and Mediterranean made scientific findings and advances that influenced their mythology. During the Gothic and Italian Renaissance, this knowledge gradually permeated Europe, initially meeting resistance from the Christian Church. The book accompanying the exhibition explores the latest research on science and technology in myth and art from antiquity to the golden age of Arab-Islamic culture. It highlights early precise records of astronomical events, automata, and kinetic sculpture. Examples include the Greek Antikythera mechanism and the sophisticated revolving ceilings and floors of the Roman Emperor Neros palace. The exhibition showcases magnificent works of art, models of animated sculptures, and scientific apparatus from these cultural spheres, with international authors discussing the relationship between science and art technology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 03 April 2023
Publisher: De Gruyter

The ancient cultures of East Asia, the Near and Middle East, and the Mediterranean were characterized by remarkable scientific discoveries and advancements, which are reflected and enhanced in their mythologies. Hesitantly in the late Gothic period, but more insistently during the Italian Renaissance, this knowledge gradually permeated Europe, although initially meeting with resistance from the Christian Church. The book accompanying the exhibition deals with the latest research on science and technology in myth and art from antiquity to the golden age of Arab-Islamic culture. Light is shed on the early precise records of astronomical events, as well as the technology of automata and kinetic sculpture. The latest findings relating, e.g., to the famous Greek Antikythera mechanism, a form of analogue computer, or the sophisticated revolving ceilings and floors of the banquet halls in the Roman Emperor Neros palace illustrate the significance of sculptures' automatization in reference to the natural sciences in Islamic-Arabic culture.

Magnificent works of art reflecting ancient myths, models of animated sculptures, impressive scientific apparatus, and automata from the Mediterranean and Islamic-Arab cultural spheres. International authors reflect on current research into the history of science in conjunction with art technology.

Exhibition: Liebieghaus Skulpturensammlung, Frankfurt/M., 08.03.2023 to 21.01.2024

ISBN-13: 9783422996366