We’re surrounded by inventions. Clocks, appliances, cars, televisions, cell phones… the list goes on and on. Where did all these inventions come from? How do they work? And how do they reflect - even define - the values of our culture? Now, you can learn the remarkable stories surrounding monumental inventions - and how consequential these inventions were to history. Taught by Professor W. Bernard Carlson of the University of Virginia, who is an expert on the role of innovation in history, these 36 enlightening lectures give you a broad survey of material history, from the ancient pottery wheel to the Internet and social media. Along with recounting the famous inventions you might expect, such as the steam engine, the airplane, and the atomic bomb, this course explores a number of surprising innovations, including beer, pagodas, and the operating room. From ancient China to 21st-century America, from the English coal mines to the high-tech companies of Silicon Valley, this course takes you around the world and across the ages to show you some of the most innovative moments in human civilization. This unique approach to history will boost your technology literacy and give you a completely new appreciation for the everyday objects around you.
D**E
It's a bit like sitting in a classroom but the information presented is great.
I learned a lot watching this series. So much so, that I started finding errors in different shows on the History Channel. Watching the show is a bit like being in a classroom, except that you don't have to take notes and sit in uncomfortable chairs. You have to watch from the first episode to the last in order because the "teacher" refers to things said in other lessons; so no jumping around. The camera angles became predictable after watching one or two shows and (for me) became distracting because I was always looking for or waiting for the change. I liked the models but the graphics could have been a bit better, especially for how much this cost.
M**N
Stephen Ressler is absolutely fantastic!!
Stephen Ressler is absolutely fantastic!!! Through great visual aids and easy to understand explanations, Prof. Ressler is able to present complex concepts in a way that everyone can understand.He uses his models throughout the course to CLEARLY show the technology he's presenting, from a simple windlass to multi-part systems such as the catapult. When describing an arch, he doesn't just explain the importance of the keystone, he shows HOW it is built. [I always wondered how they held the side blocks up until they got the keystone in.]But what I loved most about this series is that it works on so many levels: history, development of civilization, architecture, historical travel, as well as a history of Greek and Roman engineering and technology.Although, my initial motivation in purchasing this was for the educational value, I came away entertained, informed and enlightened. It’s well worth every penny and then some.
J**O
Before you buy this understand that it is a Lecture Series, not a documentary
This is one of the better Great Courses on Amazon. It covers a broad span of Greco-Roman technology focusing on 4 major areas: architecture, civil engineering, machinery, and military technology.Like all the great courses series, its full of all sorts of interesting details... For example, did you know that Greek Triremes didn't sink after being rammed by an opposing ship in a battle? They were nearly 100% wood and floated even after taking on water. They were usually hauled away by the victor as a trophy and so no trireme has ever been found by archaeologists.
S**R
Kids hated this show
Students hated this ahow. It was not worth any money. Much better ones out there for free.
J**S
Excellent Series for Learning How the Greeks and Romans Were So Advanced for Their Time
Excellent series by a very enthusiastic instructor. Prof. Ressler uses models and simulations to demonstrate the principles behind the impressive technology the Greeks and Romans developed thousands of year ago. I've been to several of the historical sites Prof. Ressler talks about, and I have found his lectures fill in the details you don't get on your own or from a tour book or tour guide. Even though he talks about architectural and engineering principles, he keeps it at a level that all of us can understand.
O**R
More is Better
This series gives you a good place to start with the subject. I would have paid for some more in depth lectures on some of the subjects. Still, worth watching and a very informative and enjoyable series. If you like the lecture format you will like this series.
R**A
Instructive and Entertaining
This was an excellent course and Dr. Ressler was a charming and engaging instructor. The visual aids were great and the use of models greatly enhanced the learning experience. I took this course as I had just finished Classical Mythology and Greek Tragedy and thought it would round out the background. It was a bit too technical for me in places, possibly because there is no text to refer to, but all in all a very interesting and entertaining course.
G**S
I only wish I'd had more professors like Dr. Ressler
What a fascinating series this was. I only wish I'd had more professors like Dr. Ressler. He combines those key qualities that literally rivet a listener to the chair: expertise, passion, clarity and humanity. I actually experienced some sadness at the end of the last lecture. An inspiring lecturer on a topic that could have been dry, but was made rich with historical and scientific detail. More please.
Trustpilot
5 days ago
2 months ago