Introduction

The technological achievements during the Hellenistic period were also put at the service of religion.
The powerful and rich clergy sought mechanical wonders to consolidate its position and funded scientists towards this end. Temples and oracles were full of sound and visual effects. Dozens of mysterious devices were invented, expanding the boundaries of the ancient Physics, in order to produce illusions. Priests acted as magicians and sometimes as doctors, manipulating the believers and attracting others. Automatic doors, automatic fountains, moving and singing birds were some of the most popular effects. Sometimes, they even used statues with eyes that gushed blood, or floating chariots.