FilmQ_Ch05: Classical Greece

Film Questions

Your responses to these film questions will contribute a portion of your notes on classical Greek civilization.

While our focus is ancient Greece, the theme addressed here (Technology) is equally important for the general study
of all societies throughout the world regardless of time period.

How to Use Video as a Source

Step #1: Familiarize yourself with film questions prior to viewing the film. By reading the questions and
understanding the vocabulary contained within, you allow yourself the luxury of viewing the film without having to look at the
questions continuously.
Step #2: View and Listen Attentively. Unlike a book, a video provides information via visual images and audio. Both
forms of data are more valuable together than separately. For example, turn the volume off on your TV during your favorite
program. Then, raise the volume while blacking out the image. Under which conditions was the data most richly delivered? Always
make sure that you have unobstructed viewing of a film and that the sound is audible.
As you view the video, pay attention to visual and/ or audio cues that reflect the issues raised by the questions below. Your
responses should refer to video content as well as your current knowledge and understanding of history.
Step #3: Organize Your Thoughts. Unlike a book, the data from a video is often delivered at a constant rate. With a
book, you can slow your reading speed when you encounter a particular segment that is complicated. You can also turn back to a
previous page to review information. A film is a bit different in that you may not always have the option to use slow motion or
rewind. Therefore, maintaining focus on the imagery and sound is important. Targeted Notes will reduce the amount of time youre
looking away from the film. By writing quick and simple phrases of a few words each, you maintain greater attention to film events.
Targeted notes use key words/ phrases that will ignite a thought or idea when you read them later. There is no concern for grammar
or spelling while doing this. After the film has ended, you look at your targeted notes and manipulate the data to compile responses
in complete sentences.
Organizational Tip: Vertically divide your sheet of paper (where youll write your responses). On the left half, take targeted notes for
each question given. After viewing the video, use the targeted notes to compose complete responses to each question (on the right
half of the sheet).

SOURCE: The Antikythera Mechanism: Decoding an ancient Greek Mystery. Nature, vol. 454, Issue 7204. 31 July 2008.
Macmillan Publishers Ltd., 2008. Other content: Antikythera Mechanism Research Project & Images First Ltd. [~14 min.]

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1. What were the circumstances surrounding the device's discovery?

2. Why didn't the discoverers quickly realize that this was a history changing find?

3. Why is the Antikythera device a possible precursor to the Wallingford clock of
Medieval Europe?

4. How has science, archaeology, and craftsmanship given us the opportunity to see
this device as the Greeks saw it?

5. To which historical figure is the device possibly connected to?

6. Why is the study of this device an excellent example of how historians must
collaborate to reach conclusions?

7. What may have been the purpose of this device?