#ancientengineering

[madebyjones]

Loving this today. An academic paper on how measuring devices (which often were themselves carved in representation of Platonic solids) were used to measure and construct stone circles. The evidence that humanity has always been quite clever is often right in front of us. Long read here : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17498430.2018.1555927 #geology #neolithic #art #engineering #ancientengineering #stonecircles https://www.instagram.com/p/BtQjy7UgZr0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=jggb35431c7i

[joelekm]

The Floating Temple of East Mebon | Secrets of Ancient Cambodia l Dreddphotos Travel Destinations.

Uncover the secrets of East Mebon Temple, a hidden gem of Cambodia. Explore its fascinating history, the genius of King Rajendravarman II, and the mystery behind the disappearing lake. A must-watch for history and travel enthusiasts!

[midnightmemehistorian]

Have you guys heard of the Cloaca Maxima, the ancient Roman sewer system that still functions today? Its construction was a major feat of engineering and its impact on public health was enormous. The fact that the Romans were able to build such a sophisticated system over 2,500 years ago is mind-boggling. Anyway, just thought Id share this random fact with you all. The Palace thatFlushed Rome Down the Toilet Literallywatch full video: https://youtu.be/X21lKatPIXo?list=PLjBgcvtYPpOQ13x3K6GNJ1lKsTxxkjX7g

[lovingauthority]

Fascinating, A World in Flux: The Global Tapestry of 850 AD

The ninth century, around 850 AD, was a time when the world seemed to teeter between creation and collapse, a vibrant chaos of birth and decay. Let’s take a journey across the continents to see what was unfolding as this remarkable era unfolded.

In Europe, the once-mighty empire of Charlemagne had begun to fracture, its pieces splintering under the weight of its own ambition. Meanwhile, Vikings swept through like it was a medieval Black Friday sale, raiding monasteries with relentless fervor. England, a sodden patchwork of rival kingdoms, was still graced by the presence of Alfred the Great, a beacon of resilience amid the turmoil.

Far to the east, Baghdad pulsed with intellectual life. The House of Wisdom thrived, a beacon of knowledge where scholars translated Aristotle and welcomed the gift of algebra, carried along the ancient Silk Road by Indian minds. In India itself, the golden age of the Gupta dynasty was fading into memory, yet the Pratiharas, builders of the awe-inspiring Chand Baori stepwell, stood firm. With elephants and brass, they fended off Muslim incursions, their ingenuity carving a solution to water scarcity amid the chaos.

China, too, was at a crossroads. The Tang dynasty, once a cultural titan, wobbled on its last legs, its poets penning elegiac suicide notes in exquisite calligraphy. Across the continent in Africa, the Ghana Empire quietly amassed wealth, trading gold for salt, oblivious to the ancient pyramids that had long stood as silent sentinels. In the Americas, the Mayans constructed temples as if reaching back into time, their architecture a testament to a civilization in deep reflection.

And then there was Chand Baori, a stepwell etched into the Rajasthan desert. While empires rose and fell, someone, somewhere, decided that stairs could outlast faith when the rains failed. This architectural marvel, with its 3,500 steps descending 30 meters, stood as a quiet counterpoint to the world’s clamor. It wasn’t about glory or conquest; it was about survival.

In essence, every civilization of the ninth century was either expanding its reach, crumbling under its own weight, or simply turning a blind eye to the inevitable. Chand Baori, however, fit perfectly into this tapestry, silently ensuring water flowed while the empires around it shouted their triumphs to the skies.

[archupnet]

Sri Lanka’s Rock Temples The Water Gardens of Sigiriya

At the heart of Sri Lanka, a towering rock formation known as Sigiriya rises dramatically from the surrounding plains. Beneath this monumental site lies one of the most beautiful and advanced ancient water gardens in the world—a seamless blend of landscape design, hydraulic engineering, and cultural symbolism.Sigiriya: More Than Just a Historical LandmarkSigiriya, often called “Lion Rock,” stands approximately 200 meters high and was transformed into a royal citadel in the 5th century by King Kashyapa. While the king’s palace sat atop the rock, the lower grounds were shaped into stunning gardens—most notably the water gardens, which represent one of the earliest and most sophisticated examples of landscape planning in South Asia.A stunning display of geometric planning in Sigiriya’s water gardens, highlighting symmetrical pools and natural walkways.A Garden Design Ahead of Its TimeThe water gardens are divided into three main sections, each contributing to the overall harmony and purpose of the space:- Symmetrical gardens: Laid out along a central axis, featuring square pools and geometric lines.- Terraced gardens: Climbing up the slopes of the rock in graceful steps.- Boulder gardens: Designed around massive natural rocks, yet fully integrated into the garden layout.Each type serves both aesthetic and environmental purposes, showcasing a refined understanding of space and function.An Ingenious Ancient Water SystemPerhaps the most fascinating aspect of Sigiriya’s gardens is the water infrastructure, which still functions during heavy rains—over 1,500 years later.Core Elements of the System:FeaturePurposeDecorative PoolsFor beauty and coolingStone ChannelsDirect water with remarkable precisionNatural FountainsOperate using gravity—no mechanical devicesDrainage OutletsPrevent flooding and maintain moisture balanceThe entire system reflects a deep knowledge of hydrology and natural flow dynamics.The winding conduits and gravity-fed fountains reveal ancient mastery in hydraulic engineering.Symbolism Beyond BeautyThe water gardens weren’t just designed to impress—they carried profound meaning. On one level, they expressed royal power and mastery over nature. On another, they echoed Buddhist values like balance and inner peace. Water, in this context, symbolized clarity, purity, and reflection—both literal and spiritual.A Global Perspective: Sigiriya in ContextTo truly appreciate the innovation of Sigiriya, it’s useful to compare it with other famed garden traditions around the world:SiteCenturyStyleShared FeaturesSigiriya – Sri Lanka5th centuryTropical–HydraulicFountains, symmetrical pathsVersailles – France17th centuryClassical–FormalGrand geometry, water featuresTaj Mahal – India17th centuryMughal–SymmetricalCentral pools, quadrantsSigiriya stands out not only for its early development, but also for its clever balance of nature and structure long before modern engineering techniques.This image illustrates how the ponds are harmoniously integrated into the surrounding landscape, highlighting sustainable design.Preserving a Living MasterpieceToday, the site faces several challenges due to its popularity and age:- Uncontrolled plant growth affecting the ancient water channels.- Climate shifts leading to unpredictable rainfall patterns.- Tourism pressures requiring careful management.Preservation efforts are ongoing, with local and international experts working to ensure that the integrity of Sigiriya remains intact for future generations.Final ThoughtsSigiriya’s water gardens are more than a historic curiosity—they're a living testament to the wisdom, creativity, and vision of an ancient civilization. The balance of art, nature, and engineering seen here is rare, even by today’s standards. It is a place that continues to inspire architects, designers, and dreamers around the world.✦ ArchUp Editorial InsightThis article explores the ancient water gardens of Sigiriya as a refined interplay between geometry, terrain, and hydraulic innovation. The visual description highlights the symmetry of the pools, the terraced slopes, and the integration of natural boulders—each element contributing to a choreographed spatial rhythm. Yet, while the historical engineering is notable, the article offers limited critique on how this ancient knowledge informs contemporary landscape strategies. Could a deeper comparison with modern sustainable systems have enriched the narrative? Still, the article succeeds in framing Sigiriya as a timeless reference point in the dialogue between nature and design.Explore the Latest Architecture Exhibitions & ConferencesArchUp offers daily updates on top global architectural exhibitions, design conferences, and professional art and design forums.Follow key architecture competitions, check official results, and stay informed through the latest architectural news worldwide.ArchUp is your encyclopedic hub for discovering events and design-driven opportunities across the globe.https://archup.net/brasilia-the-modernist-capital-by-niemeyer-and-costa/https://archup.net/city-identity-through-the-mirror-of-cars/https://archup.net/khalid-bin-sultan-city-by-zaha-hadid-architects-redefining-urban-living-in-the-uae-desert/ Read the full article

[engineers-heaven]

I General Idea about Engineering and I want to know the details about this term as well as its history and how its evolving? ,

click the link above and read the full article !!

[ogeecircleman]

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon: Myth or Reality?

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World have fascinated generations of historians, archaeologists, an

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World have fascinated generations of historians, archaeologists, and culture enthusiasts. However, one of them remain...

[adikkachannels]

Ramayana - Hunger and Thirst Technology

Introduction of Ramayana:

The Ramayana is an ancient Hindu epic that recounts the life and deeds of Lord Rama, who is considered to be a symbol of righteousness, compassion, and valor. While the Ramayana is primarily known for its religious and spiritual significance, it also contains several instances of advanced technology that can be relevant to modern times. In this article, we will explore the use of technology in the Ramayana, particularly in the context of overcoming hunger and thirst, and how it has been used in modern medicine.

Various Techniques - Panchamrita:

In the Ramayana, Lord Rama and his army are often depicted as facing great challenges while on their quest to rescue Sita from the demon king Ravana. One of the most significant challenges they faced was hunger and thirst while traveling through the forests and deserts. To overcome this challenge, Lord Rama and his army used various techniques and technologies that are still relevant today.

One of the most well-known instances of technology in the Ramayana is the use of the Panchamrita, a concoction of five sacred ingredients - milk, honey, ghee, curd, and sugar. According to the Ramayana, the Panchamrita was created by Lord Vishnu and was used by Lord Rama and his army to overcome hunger and thirst during their journey. The Panchamrita is still considered a sacred offering in Hinduism and is used in various religious ceremonies and rituals. Another instance of technology in the Ramayana is the use of herbs and medicinal plants to treat various ailments. Lord Rama and his army are often depicted as having knowledge of various herbs and plants and their medicinal properties. For example, the Ramayana describes how Lord Hanuman used the herb Sanjivani to revive Lord Lakshmana when he was injured in battle. The use of medicinal plants is still an important aspect of modern medicine, with many drugs and treatments being derived from natural sources. The Ramayana also contains instances of advanced engineering and construction techniques. For example, the construction of the bridge between India and Sri Lanka, also known as the Ram Setu, is considered a marvel of ancient engineering. The bridge is said to have been built by Lord Rama and his army with the help of a team of Vanaras (monkey warriors). The construction of the Ram Setu involved the use of stones that could float on water, a technique that is still not fully understood today. The use of technology in the Ramayana has also been the subject of modern scientific research. For example, scientists have studied the properties of the Panchamrita and have found that its ingredients have various health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation. The use of medicinal plants and herbs in the Ramayana has also been studied by modern scientists, who have identified various active compounds that can be used in modern medicine.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Ramayana contains several instances of advanced technology that can be relevant to modern times. From the use of the Panchamrita to the construction of the Ram Setu, the Ramayana provides valuable insights into how ancient people overcame challenges and developed advanced technologies. The use of technology in the Ramayana has also been the subject of modern scientific research, with various studies identifying the health benefits of the Panchamrita and the medicinal properties of various herbs and plants. The Ramayana is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of ancient people and serves as an inspiration for modern technological advancements. Read the full article