Mosaics of Knowledge: Representing Information in the Roman World

Information technology in the Roman world was limited to small, scattered social groups, and the recording, storage, and recall of information in physical media was not always bound together. This study combines detailed readings of evidence with theoretical consideration of the social, cognitive, and material contexts for their use to present a unique portrait of Roman IT capabilities, limitations, and habits.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 21 February 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Information technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, permeating every aspect of our existence. In contrast, the Roman world operated differently. Technologies were limited to small, scattered social groups, and their use was not as widespread as it is today.

Mosaics of Knowledge, a book by Elizabeth Bartman, explores how the Romans approached technology and how it shaped their world. The book examines five technologies: lists, tables, weights and measures, artistic perspective, and mapping. By examining these technologies, Bartman demonstrates how the Romans fragmented a world that we might have imagined them to unite.

One of the key insights of the book is that the recording, storage, and recall of information in physical media were not as effective as we might assume. Roman instances often served to create or reinforce the isolation of particular groups, rather than bringing people together. People in different locations, whether geographical, social, or occupational, had access to quite different informational resources, and the overall situation was not controlled by the needs of any particular class or group.

This constraint on use in turn constrained the development and power of individual technologies. Development was slow, scattered, and far from one-directional. On the other hand, what appeared to be technological weaknesses could be revealed as strengths when placed in actual use-contexts. Romans deployed no more but also no less computing power than needed for very narrowly defined goals.

The study combines detailed readings of a wide variety of evidence, including inscriptions, small archeological finds, artworks, and literary texts, with theoretical consideration of the social, cognitive, and material contexts for their use. By doing so, Bartman presents a unique portrait of Roman IT capabilities, limitations, and habits.

One of the most interesting aspects of the book is its discussion of the role of women in Roman technology. Women were often involved in the production and use of various technologies, and their contributions were often overlooked or underestimated. Bartman argues that women played a significant role in the development and dissemination of Roman technology, and their contributions should be recognized and celebrated.

Another important theme of the book is the relationship between technology and power. Bartman explores how the Romans used technology to consolidate and maintain their power, as well as how technology was used by individuals and groups to challenge and resist the Roman Empire. The book provides a valuable insight into the complex and multifaceted relationship between technology and society, and how it has evolved over time.

In conclusion, Mosaics of Knowledge is a thought-provoking and informative book that provides a fresh perspective on the Roman world and its relationship with technology. Elizabeth Bartman's detailed analysis of five technologies and their use in the Roman world sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of technology and its impact on society. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in history, technology, and the intersection of these two fields.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 232 x 155 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197660621