why was the roman phase of iron age marked by stagnation of science?
Answers
Science in ancient Rome was mostly an imitation of the Greek. There were very few inventions, they lacked originality and were unimportant.
The Roman phase of Iron Age was marked by stagnation of science because:
1. The Romans discouraged any research or investigation which did not have a utilitarian value.
2. They had a practical turn of mind. They did not have any interest in pure science or abstract thinking. Even their literature and philosophy had a practical object.
3. They extolled and emphasized the moral qualities required to increase the power of the state and for the preservation of the state. Roman were war loving.
4. Rome's need for innovation was met by the inventions and discoveries of the regions conquered by them like Egypt, Gaul and Western Europe. So there was no need for being innovative themselves.Roman Phase of Iron Age had stagnation in science because it did not encourage independent research. But, this is a misconception created by some of the “imperial elites” and is held dearly by some of the historians. We could see a great deal of scientific innovations which is par-excellent even now. They excelled in construction, mining, shipbuilding etc. during this period.
They used water to power their machines. For example, the sawmill, which was used by them to cut stones resembled “James Watt’s Steam Engine.” In certain farm houses, gear- based water mills had been used which was very impressive to look at.
Mining below the water table was another wonder done by Romans during this period. They also had found a way to divert the rivers to enable mining.