11-16-2007, 08:32 PM
Quote:The problem with this is that Zopyrus' machines, as described by Biton, are clearly later developments of the original gastraphetes type, which fits a date c. 350 B.C. much better than placing him earlier with Dionysius' original inventors. There is no real reason to 'push' Zopyrus' dates back, and plenty of reasons not to.
Specifically they are improvements. I see no reason to deny his presence in the "think-tank", surely Taras would have been represented given the advanced state of Pythagorean mechanics. Either he or his mentor was there- or both. I know of no source that puts him at 350. The consensus seems to be the "first half of the 4th century". This is no more likely to be 350 than it is to be 400!
Here, argue with Duncan (My search online just led me back here):
http://www.romanarmy.com/rat/viewtopic. ... bc749f9287
Paul M. Bardunias
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A Spartan, being asked a question, answered "No." And when the questioner said, "You lie," the Spartan said, "You see, then, that it is stupid of you to ask questions to which you already know the answer!"
MODERATOR: [url:2dqwu8yc]http://www.romanarmytalk.com/rat/viewtopic.php?t=4100[/url]
A Spartan, being asked a question, answered "No." And when the questioner said, "You lie," the Spartan said, "You see, then, that it is stupid of you to ask questions to which you already know the answer!"
