Time travel is a concept that has been much talked about and fantasized about throughout history. Einstein’s theory of relatively seems to offer the possibility of warp space-time so that we could travel back in time. I must admit that I sometimes spend time daydreaming and think to myself what if I could go back in time? What time period would I want to visit? What in my past would I change? Would I like to see what my future holds?
I always think to myself that I would like to travel back to the Renaissance Era. Ever since my High School Humanities classes I have been intrigue by this era. I am amazed at how people of this era thought outside of the box. For example take Flippo Brunelleschi an amazing architect and engineer. He was tasked with solving the problem of the 42 foot hole in the Santa Maria del Fiore the new cathedral in Florence. Brunelleschi came up with the original theory of how to create a dome to cover this gap. His methods where millennia ahead of his time. The way that he accomplished this feat was to create two shells. The first shell was made of sandstone and marble. Since the formula for concrete had been lost, Brunelleschi had to think outside the box. After the first shell was complete, Brunelleschi proceeded to the second shell which would incorporate a ring and rib design to hold the brick in place. Brick was chosen because it was lighter than stone and it was easier to work with. The dome was octagonal in shape instead of the standard round shape of other domes. This allowed Brunelleschi to utilize the rings to squeeze the dome, much like a barrel hoop. The rings and ribs were then notched together and covered with brick and mortar of the inner dome.
Brunelleschi’s design can still be seen today in Florence. His feat of engineering has withstood the tests of time. What makes the Duomo more impressive is that Brunelleschi didn’t have modern technology or complex simulations or formulas to create his masterpiece. He simply went on his own intuition and experiences. In order to lift the some 37,000 tons of material needed to complete the dome, Brunelleschi invented hoisting machines and the lewisson which uses lever and the weight of the stone to act on a long arm which in return creates friction to hold the stone from slippage. The lewisson was extremely useful when stones could not be lifted by chains or slings. All of these innovations came from Brunelleschi and other philosophers of his time. The result is a wonderful feat of engineering that can still be seen today.
The more I think about the Renaissance Period the more I am intrigued by the newness and innovation that came from this period. I think it would be an amazing experience to witness the innovation first hand. To be able to pick the brains of so many great philosophers, mathematicians, architects, artists, explorers, and engineers would be worth the trip.
As I look back on my life there are certain times where I wish that I could go back and chose a different course; however, I am pretty pleased with my course thus far. I definitely have regrets but I have learned to live with them. As for the future I think I would rather that remain a mystery. Sure there are times where I would love to see where I am in 5 to 10 years but where is the excitement in that?
I would like to hear from some of you. What time period would you want to travel to and why?
Nunc Coepi 