The Ancient World of Technology
From Mine to Palace
In the Ancient World of Technology, the second exhibition area, the motto is “From mine to palace”. In this area, we will find many stations and workshops where we can interactively experience the Roman building world, and immerse ourselves in the reality of people’s lives at that time by trying it for ourselves and testing our strengths.
The Emporer Augustus needs some workers
In the Ancient World of Technology, it is literally time to get to work. Become a part of the building industry from the ancient times to the middle ages. Mass production, precise processing and effective transport aren´t only the appearance of modern times, sophisticated techniques of the ancient Romans show they had great knowledge about the building industry. Even Emperor Augustus had his specialists – time to give him a hand!
Crane
This ancient crane allows stones as heavy as 500 kg to be lifted by two strong people. It’s very possible that a crane like this stood on the construction site of the Cologne harbour tower (known as the ‘Ubii Monument’) around AD 4-6.
Relief
The cast replica relief portrays an idealized version of the mausoleum constructed by the Roman building contractor Quintus Haterius.
Flour Mill
Grain was a very important ingredient in ancient cooking. The Pompeian Mill, made of Mayen basalt, was rotated by humans or donkeys. In comparison to the hand mill, this style mill saved a lot of time and energy.
Kitchen
Whether flatbread, herbal paste or bean soup, the Roman cuisine was prepared fresh on grills. The different grills and pots displayed here were used at cook shops on the streets.
Blacksmith
A lot of iron equipment was needed on construction sites and in quarries and mines at all times. As this was constantly subjected to wear and tear, there was high demand for forges.
Architecture
This is an impressive reconstructed replica (scale of 1:1) of a Byzantine water powered Marble Saw used in the period of around AD 600. This machine was able to saw enormous marble slabs which were then used to embellish prestigious buildings.
Clay
Oven With a Roman clay oven such as this, bread was baked from various types of grain.
Lathe
The craftsmen of antiquity used large lathes to produce columns and tables of stone. Smaller lathes were used for making items such as filigree jewellery or hair pins.
Stonemasonry
Different-sized sarcophagi and original parts of Roman aqueducts can be seen displayed around the large tuff blocks of the quarry replica.
Kiln & Hypocaust
2000 years ago, architectural ceramic was very important for the local economy. Pots, roof tiles and floor coverings were fired in ceramic furnaces in large quantities. Some of the products would be used to build hypocaust heating systems, often used in Roman baths for floor heating.
Gods
It was customary for the soldiers who worked underground to have a shrine on site either in or near the mines. This was made up of one or several consecrated altars where they could pray for protection from the hazards of their daily work.
Roman gambling table
The ancient romans loved to play games in their leisure time. You can try different board games like borad game their version of backgammon.
