Through five case-studies from different periods and concerning different aspects of technology, this book sets ancient technical knowledge in its political, social and intellectual context. Unlike existing accounts of the same subject, it makes an extensive use not only of textual but also of epigraphical and archaeological sources.

Introduction; 1. The definition of techne in classical Athens; 2. The Hellenistic military revolution; 3. Death and the craftsman; 4. Boundary disputes in the Roman Empire; 5. Architects of late antiquity; Epilogue.

'Cuomo's present work is at the leading edge of a paradigm shift in the discipline.' Bryn Mawr Classical Review'It is encouraging to see a scholarly but accessible work that serves not just to inform but to provide a manifesto for future research: 'Let a thousand history-of-technology flowers bloom'.' Journal of Classics Teaching'In this splendid follow-up to Ancient Mathematics (London, 2001), Serafina Cuomo turns her attention to technology, a subject that is often considered to be on the opposite end of the spectrum of the history of ancient science. ... She writes with an assured grasp of an enormous array of primary sources, and an evident fascination for and engagement with the people, objects and ideas she is discussing. She is also skilled in bringing out the complexities and complications of her material while never despairing of finding a clear route through. Like the ancient technicians, Cuomo has amply demonstrated 'the ability to precipitate change and the ability to produce the useful and necessary'.' British Journal for the History of Science'This is a very interesting book. As a Key Themes in Ancient History book, it aims to provide a readable, informed and original study of the topic, to indicate the state of current research in the topic, and to show how it is significant for our own as well as for ancient culture and society. Cuomo rises to this challenge ...' Journal of Roman Studies'Technology and Culture in Greek and Roman Antiquity reads like the dream assignment for every scholar ... and seems like the sort of luxury very few academics have the time or funding to research and publish nowadays.' De novis libris iudicia