Technical Automation in Classical Antiquity

The ability of man-made objects to move and act autonomously is not just the province of engineering or science fiction, as demonstrated by Maria Gerolemou in this book. Ancient literature, performance, and engineering were often concerned with the way nature and artifice interacted, and this is a brilliant assembly of evidence for the power of 'automatic theatre' in ancient literature.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 12 January 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The concept of technical automation, which encompasses the ability of man-made or divine objects to move and function autonomously, transcends the realms of engineering and science fiction. In her book, Maria Gerolemou delves into the intricate relationship between technical automation and natural automatism, highlighting how ancient literature, performance, and engineering were deeply concerned with the interplay between nature and artifice. Spanning epic, didactic, tragedy, comedy, philosophy, and ancient science, this remarkable compilation of evidence showcases the profound impact of "automatic theater" in ancient literature.

Gerolemou begins her exploration by delving into the earliest Greek literature, specifically Homer and Hesiod's Iliad. Here, she observes how Hephaestus' self-moving artifacts reflect the natural forces of motion, while the manufactured Pandora becomes an autonomous woman. The second chapter explores Greek drama, where technical automation is employed not only through staging and costume but also in plot devices that bring statues to life and humans to behave as automatic devices.

In the third chapter, Gerolemou examines how the philosophers of the 4th century BCE and the engineers of the Hellenistic period contributed to a growing dialogue surrounding technical automation. Through their mechanical devices, they sought to enhance the audience's ability to glimpse and marvel at the hidden mechanisms of self-motion.

Finally, the book delves into the use of technical automation as an ekphrastic technique in late antiquity and early Byzantium. By employing this technique, authors sought to convey the essence and beauty of mechanical objects and their movements, adding a new dimension to their literary works.

In conclusion, technical automation, with its close semantic and linguistic relevance to natural automatism, has played a significant role in ancient literature, performance, and engineering. Through her book, Maria Gerolemou has demonstrated the power of "automatic theater" in ancient literature, showcasing how it augmented and undermined nature, contributed to philosophical dialogues, and employed as an ekphrastic technique. This exploration provides valuable insights into the rich tapestry of human creativity and innovation throughout history.

Weight: 452g
Dimension: 241 x 164 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350077591