Obama, MythBusters to Test 'Archimedes Death Ray' in Push to Promote Science

Obama, MythBusters to Test 'Archimedes Death Ray' in Push to Promote Science

Published October 18, 2010

| FoxNews.com

President Obama is either trying to reach a new audience or he's looking to build the Pentagon's next project on the cheap.

The president is set to make a guest appearance next month on the Discovery Channel's "MythBusters," the show where a team of explosion-prone pyrophiles test urban legends. The Obama episode will focus on the so-called "Archimedes death ray."

The death ray is the weapon legend has it was used by Greek mathematician Archimedes to destroy enemy ships. It would have used a system of mirrors to reflect and focus the sun's rays onto whatever is targeted for incineration.

However, the busters have busted the heat ray myth twice already in prior episodes. The latest attempt was aired in January 2006, when the hosts teamed up with MIT students -- they succeeded in charring the test boat and creating a small fire, but the myth was nevertheless debunked.

Maybe Obama holds the key. Discovery spokeswoman Katherine Nelson said the experiment was included on a list of options for the president "because fans are constantly asking the MythBusters to re-test the Archimedes Solar Ray." She said the White House picked the ray test "because it provided the greatest opportunity to get students involved in (science, technology, engineering and math) in the most real way possible."

Or blow up ships. Whatever. The Discovery appearance was announced Monday as the president hosts the White House Science Fair. The White House said the episode will air Dec. 8, as part of his effort to "inspire young people to excel in math and science."

Obama will announce the "MythBusters" episode at the science fair Monday. Lead busters Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman plan to take questions in the West Wing after the president speaks.

Discovery said in a statement that the president will "challenge" Savage and Hyneman to revisit the "controversial" myth. And there's a lot on the line, apparently.

"Did Greek scientist and polymath Archimedes set fire to an invading Roman fleet using only mirrors and the reflected rays of the sun? Will Adam and Jamie be able to pull this off, or will they have to report back to the president that they failed?" the statement reads.

UPDATE: Time Change: Lecture on Classical Kevlar

6PM Fri 22 Oct, Chapman Auditorium

Greg Aldrete, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

CLASSICAL KEVLAR: RECONSTRUCTING AND TESTING ANCIENT GREEK LINEN ARMOR (THE UWGB LINOTHORAX PROJECT)

For nearly 1,000 years, one of the most common forms of protection used by ancient Mediterranean warriors, including the armies of the Greeks and Alexander the Great, was the linothorax, a type of body armor apparently made out of linen.  Due to the perishable nature of its material, however, no examples have survived, and today it is poorly understood, and is known only through fragmentary descriptions in literature and images on pottery and in sculpture.  Employing only the materials and techniques that would have been available to the ancient Greeks, the UWGB Linothorax Project is investigating this mysterious armor by reconstructing and wearing examples of the linothorax, as well as subjecting test samples to attack with ancient weapons in order to determine the characteristics and protective qualities of this type of armor.   This presentation will not only describe the project’s findings, but will also display a reconstructed linothorax and test samples for the audience’s examination.

http://www.uwgb.edu/aldreteg/Linothorax.html

Safety first

This is a great example of why we must keep safety at top priority of any ballistic endeavors...




The story behind this is, the lady was being filmed for the television show, The Amazing Race. She was shooting watermelons from giant slingshots in an attempt to hit a distant target. Somehow, the slingshot misfired, with hilarious, yet dangerous results.

Roman Artillery

Salve! Mihi nohmen est Spartacurtus. 

There has been much talk recently in our club meetings about building Classical weaponry, specifically a catapult, or ballista. I thought I'd get the ball rolling here with a discussion of the technology that went into these weapons, so that we may learn enough to be able to build something. Readers, I am hoping that this will be an interactive process, and that we will be able to collaborate on this project to build something awesome.  I would like to use this blog as a type of forum for us to collaborate on the decision-making process that goes into making something of this nature.

As Consul, I believe that it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of everyone involved. I want to state that safety will be a foremost goal, even ahead of authenticity, if necessary. If we must sacrifice authenticity for the sake of safety, then so be it. These contraptions sound like they can be quite deadly, and appropriate precautions must be taken while using or manufacturing these items. I don't know what kinds of precautions to take yet, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

I am attaching what I found to be an interesting article on the manufacturing of ballistic weaponry. Based upon the discussion at last week's Classics Club meeting, it seems that we are planning to go in the direction of a torsion machine. This seems practical due to the authenticity, and the availability of materials. Please feel free to add any comments to the comment section at the end of the article.
~Consul Spartacurtus~

(illustation from Trajan's Column)

Roman Artillery

To supplement their forces, the Romans used various forms of artillery. Originated by the Greeks, these mechanized weapons represent the height of ancient technology. There are actually quite alot of surviving ancient discussion on the subject. There is also a wealth of archaeological finds allowing modern researchers to accurately re-construct these machines. Perhaps the most useful writer has been Vitruvius, an engineer who served under Julius Caesar and Emperor Augustus.

The Romans used torsion machines, meaning they were powered by twisted cords. Sinew was the preferred cord material, but horse hair (and reportedly the long hair of women) was also used. When triggered, a considerable amount of energy was released and directed toward launching the projectile. There were two general artillery types: stone-firing and arrow-firing. Unfortunately, the Latin terms used to describe the different siege machines are not fully understood. In the Republic and early Empire catapultaereferred to bolt-shooters (arrow-firing). Scorpiones were the smaller mobile catapultae. Ballistae were strictly stone-shooters. Yet, in the 2nd century AD the term, ballistae, was applied to both arrow throwing and stone throwers. In the 4th century AD it appears that the arrow throwing machines were differentiated from stone throwing catapults by having the term ballistae apply only to them.

The most common artillery piece was a catapult that could fire a bolt 3-hand spans long. The scorpio (circa 50BC) threw a bolt 27 inches long (67cm).

Although the wooden bolt shafts have long since rotted, quite alot of the iron points have survived to this day. Stabilizing flights may have been made of feathers, leather, or wood. The iron points were pyramid shaped. The hand cranks at the rear were used to winch the arrow, or bolt, back to the firing position. The largest artillery filed pieces could lob a 78kg stone ball!

Both types of artillery were manned by men called ballistarii. It is not known exactly how many each legion had. Each cohort may have had only 1, or as many as 6. Auxiliary units typically did not have artillery, although it appears there were exceptions to this rule. If these non-Roman citizens should turn against the legions, the Romans did not want them to have the added firepower of artillery. In the 2nd century AD the metal-frame carroballista was introduced. It had more power and better aim than the older wooden-frame scorpion. See above illustration. It's lighter weight was an improvement over the older wooden-frame catapults by enabling it to be mounted on a type of cart.

By the 4th century AD the legions no longer had a compliment of artillery. Artillery was reserved, instead, for a few specialist artillery legions and for defending fixed positions. Artillery was also used on warships. They were often mounted on wooden towers, giving them a more advantageous angle of fire.

The Onager was named after a wild ass because of the way it kicked back upon firing. although it was powered by torsion, it was an artillery piece apart from catapultae and ballistae. It was first mentioned in writing in the 200s BC. It was most common in the armies in the mid 4th century AD. Since they were so large and slow to move the onagri were most suited for sieges. The length of the sling on the end of the arm could be adjusted to affect the trajectory of the stone.

References:Two excellent Roman artillery books were coincidentally both published in 2003. They are both available inexpensively as used books:

1. Greek and Roman Artillery, By Duncan Campbell.

2. Roman Artillery, By Duncan Campbell.

Update : Ancient Roman helmet sells for 10 times estimated amount

Ancient Roman helmet sells for 10 times estimated amount

By Melissa Gray, CNN

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• The ancient headwear sold for $3.6 million
• The helmet dates to the late 1st to 2nd century A.D.
• It would have been used for military displays, not battles

RELATED TOPICS

• Archaeology

London, England (CNN) -- A detailed and well-preserved Roman parade helmet -- complete with fine facial features on its face mask, tight curly hair, and a griffin-topped cap -- sold at auction Thursday for 10 times its estimated amount.

The helmet sold at Christie's auction house in London for 2.28 million pounds ($3.6 million). It had been estimated at 200,000 to 300,000 pounds (about $316,000 to $475,000).

The buyer of the helmet was not immediately known.

The Tullie House Museum in Carlisle, near where the helmet was found in May by a person with a metal detector, had launched a public fundraising appeal to try to procure the helmet as the centerpiece for a new Roman gallery.

Christie's called the Crosby Garrett helmet -- so named for the village where it was found, about 45 miles south of the Scottish border -- an "extraordinary example of Roman metalwork at its zenith" and said it dates to the late 1st to 2nd century A.D.

"The Crosby Garrett helmet sets itself apart by virtue of its beauty, workmanship, and completeness, particularly the face mask, which was found virtually intact," Christie's says. "In addition, the remarkable Phrygian-style peak surmounted by its elaborate bronze griffin crest appears unprecedented."

The helmet is made of two sections: the tall pointed helmet and the face mask. The latter has openwork eyes, which would have allowed the wearer to see during the cavalry sports events -- known as hippika gymnasia -- when it would have been used.

The face has incised eyelashes on the upper and lower lids, herringbone eyebrows, and pierced nostrils, all framed by three rows of corkscrew curls.

At the peak of the cap is a small griffin, seated with its wings outstretched, revealing the incised feather detail. Its right paw is raised and rests on the rim of a small amphora.

Colorful streamers may have been attached to the helmet when it was worn, Christie's says.

Arrian of Nicomedia, a Roman provincial governor under Hadrian, wrote the only surviving contemporary source of information on cavalry sports events, according to Christie's. He describes cavalrymen divided into two teams that took turns to attack and defend, and suggests that wearing the helmets was a mark of rank or excellence in horsemanship.

"Participants would also carry a light, elaborately painted shield, and wear an embroidered tunic and possibly thigh-guards and greaves, all of which would contribute to the impressive spectacle," Christie's says. "These events may well have accompanied religious festivals celebrated by the Roman army and were probably also put on for the benefit of visiting officials. The displays would have been intended to demonstrate the outstanding equestrian skill and marksmanship of the Roman soldier and the wealth of the great empire he represented."

The helmet is one of only three that have been discovered in Britain complete with face masks, Christie's says. The first was found in 1796 and is now at the British Museum in London, and the other was found around 1905 and is at the Museum of Antiquities in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The helmet was offered for sale along with other antiquities, including Egyptian pottery and Etruscan and Greek gold jewelry.

Tullie House Museum said a benefactor pledged 50,000 pounds ($79,000) toward its fundraising appeal to bring the helmet back to the region, on condition the public matched the amount.

In all, the museum said it hoped to raise 80,000 pounds ($127,000) in order to obtain financing from other organizations for an auction bid.

"Tullie House's archaeology collections are extensive with a particularly important collection of Roman Cumbria material, especially from Carlisle and the Hadrian's Wall area," it said. "In the development of its collections, Tullie House prioritizes artifacts that are judged to be of high importance to the local heritage and to ensure that items remain or are returned to Cumbria."

Carlisle was an important military center in Roman times, when it was known as Luguvalium. The first Roman fort in Carlisle was built in 72 and 73 A.D. during the initial conquest of northern Britain, at a strategic point overlooking the confluence of two rivers, and just west of the main north-south road, which was used regularly by troops, according to the museum.

CUMBRIA COUNTY COUNCIL PLEDGES CASH TO HELP BUY ROMAN HELMET

By Thom Kennedy

Last updated at 12:51, Wednesday, 06 October 2010

Cumbria County Council has pledged £5,000 to help keep a historic Roman artefact in Cumbria.

Tullie House's Rebecca Warren with the helmet appeal

Related: Crosby Garrett Roman helmet 'worth millions to Cumbria' - claim

Tullie House Museum is hoping to raise £80,000 in donations to buy the Roman cavalry parade helmet found by a metal detectorist at Crosby Garrett earlier this year.

And now the council’s Carlisle local committee has agreed to put £5,000 to add to the appeal, which has already benefited from a £50,000 donation from a private benefactor.

Cllr John Mallinson, chair of the Carlisle Local Committee, said: “The importance of this helmet cannot be over estimated both in its historical significance and the potential financial benefits it would bring to the area in terms of increased tourism.

“We are very happy to support the campaign to ensure this extraordinary piece of history remains in Cumbria.”

The helmet, which is valued between £300,000 and £400,000, will be auctioned by Christie’s in London tomorrow, with an anonymous bidder taking part on behalf of Tullie House. A live audience will be watching on an internet feed in the Carlisle museum in anticipation of a major coup for the city.

Among the audience will be Carlisle MP John Stevenson, who said: “I’m really hoping Tullie House are able to secure the helmet for the people of Cumbria. I think the helmet belongs here and Tullie House have run a great campaign in trying to raise the funds to keep it so.

“Culturally, the helmet is significant as it is a link to our Roman past, but it will also bring visitors to the area and make a fantastic centrepiece to Tullie House’s Roman exhibition.

“Local support for the campaign has been fantastic, and I wish Tullie House every success on the day.”

The auction has generated huge interest from private collectors because the Roman cavalry parade helmet, found by a metal detector enthusiast in a field near Crosby Garrett, is one of just three found in the UK and is the finest example of its type.

The British Museum in London describes it as “unparalleled” and says it is vital that Tullie House secures it.

Early indications suggest the helmet would attract thousands of new visitors to Carlisle and Cumbria to boost the tourism economy. and would represent a significant acquisition to the Roman archaeology collection at Tullie House.

It would form a focal point for a new £1.5 million Roman Frontier Gallery opening in Tullie House next year.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/Tullie-House-Crosby-Garrett-Roman-Helmet-Appeal.

First published at 11:34, Wednesday, 06 October 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Lecture: Reconstructing and Testing Ancient Greek Linen Armor

SPECIAL BONUS LECTURE
Friday, October 22, 2010
4:30pm
Chapman Auditorium, Trinity University
Classical Kevlar:
Reconstructing and Testing Ancient Greek Linen Armor
(THE UWGB Linothrax Project)


For nearly 1,000 years, one of the most common forms of protection used by ancient Mediterranean warriors, including the armies of the Greeks and Alexander the Great, was the linothorax, a type of body armor apparently made out of linen. Due to the perishable nature of its material, however, no examples have survived, and today it is poorly understood, and is known only through fragmentary descriptions in literature and images on pottery and in sculpture. Employing only the materials and techniques that would have been available to the ancient Greeks, the UWGB Linothorax Project is investigating this mysterious armor by reconstructing and wearing examples of the linothorax, as well as subjecting test samples to attack with ancient weapons in order to determine the characteristics and protective qualities of this type of armor. This presentation will not only describe the project’s findings, but will also display a reconstructed linothorax and test samples for the audience’s examination.
Project website: http://www.uwgb.edu/aldreteg/Linothorax.html
More about the speaker: http://www.uwgb.edu/aldreteg/