Lack of technological progress in late Roman Empire

[Theodosius the Great]

Tarbicus,

But perhaps it just simply didn't have much puff, and to realise an engine that could drive propellers through water (an incredibly resistant substance) is another thing entirely. Look at the pressures involved with a steam engine and its boilers, they can be immense.

I've conceded that perhaps it could not have been made into a propulsion device. As for having enough "puff" - this invention was really small so I would guess making a large scale version would be the way to go - like those huge onagers the Romans had (which were over 15 feet tall ?) And as for boilers, the Byzantines used boilers to spray their "Greek fire" which was highly dangerous, especially on their wooden ships. I'm sure there were accidents, but they didn't shirk from danger.

Paul,

I read that the Chinese had the trebuchet at least 800 years (perhaps even 1,000) before it was introduced to Europe. It had far superior range, accuracy and devastating effect than any balista, catapult, or onager.



But you're saying the Byzantines made it happen ? I've never heard that one before, but I don't doubt they made refinements to it.






Theo