29°C
The Kostas Kotsanas Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, housed in the Venetian mansion of Ittaar, is dedicated to highlighting the unknown but fascinating technological dimension of ancient Greek civilization. The main exhibition “Ancient Greece – The Origins of Technologies” presents 55 fully functional models of inventions such as the Automatic Servant of Philo, the Hydraulic Mechanism of Ktesibios, the “Cinema” of Heron and the impressive Antikythera Mechanism.
Visitors have the opportunity to learn about technologies such as steam engines, automation, telecommunications, and robotics through detailed drawings, bibliographic references, photographic material, and multimedia tools that simplify the understanding of complex mechanisms. The scientific staff offers hands-on guided tours, making the visit suitable and attractive for people of all ages.
The museum shop offers handmade replicas of exhibits such as the Parmenion sundial and ancient Greek toys, while the café on the terrace is an ideal place to relax.
Museologically, the museum emphasizes that technology is not a privilege of the modern age. Many of the basic principles of mechanics and automation – such as screws, gears, valves and programming systems – were invented in ancient times. The report shows how the technological peak of the 3rd century B.C. corresponds to achievements that only reappeared many centuries later, redefining the relationship between the past and the present and the future of technology.
*The photos are sourced from the official website of the museum.
Museum
Archaeological, Science, Historical
18 Epimenidou, Heraklion
+30 2810220610
May – October
All days: 10.00-18.00
November – April
Monday – Friday: 09.00-15.00
Saturday – Sunday: 10.00-17.00
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