CRITICAL REVIEW, ASSESSMENT AND INVESTIGATION OF ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY EVOLUTION OF DOOR LOCKING MECHANISMS IN S.E. MEDITERRANEAN

Abstract

Door locking is the mechanism for access, control and security that relies on a veiled knowledge of mechan- ics. However, as a symbol of power, authority, wealth and stature, it can reveal many cultural, economic and social practices and habits. The subject of ancient classical technology of door locking progress mechanisms is full of interest, and has received considerable attention during the last two centuries including recent years. However, it has not been until now the subject of many scholarly studies, that examine issues such as types, operational function and mechanism technology, access feature and security, and manufacturing based on recent archaeological data and findings. This paper attempts to present a comparative critical as- sessment and investigation of the mechanical and typological evaluation technology, mainly of the so-called Homeric, the simple and smart Hellenistic tumbler Laconian, in addition to the main advanced and elegant Roman door locking with spring mechanism. The paper shall address mainly the Hellenistic gap in material studies, according to recent archaeological records and findings. It suggests that door locking utilizing spring technology is Hellenistic and not Roman as it was believed. In addition the paper attempts to clarify and present some new aspects and suggestions to several misunderstandings about the locking system origin and the know-how of controlling the sliding horizontal bolt movement. These aspects will be critically discussed and clarified through 2D and 3D graphical reconstructions and models.