V2-Chapter 4

Chapter Four The Donkeys’ Decline

As well as taking a closer look at the mine Republica Romana, with its integrated rail, inclined plane, and aero-cable transport system, this chapter examines the basic mechanics of these ancient technologies. We will probably never know when the first inclined plane, or the first aerial rope-way was used by man.

Archaeologists seem to be going further and further back in time, without ever finding the “when”. All I can do is examine the ‘how’, and reflect on the ‘why’ that caused the donkeys’ decline.

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V2-Acknowledgements

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Note: Whilst the author has tried to identify and attribute copyright holders to illustrations and photographs, she would be grateful for information about those where this has not been possible and would be glad to rectify any such omissions in future editions. She may be contacted on her site.