Although it may seem far-fetched to connect a modern lift with the pyramids or the temples of ancient Greece, the physical problems of building the Parthenon, including the use of lifts and lifting devices would be familiar to any site engineer today. The ancient Egyptians had vast reserves of manpower, but the Greek and Roman builders relied upon a much smaller labour force. Even if more men could have been employed, they could never have man-handled the largerstones used, therefore the need for lifting machines was essential. With the emergence first, of the Greek civilisation and later the ruthless and efficient power of Rome, the Greeks provided us with theoretical and applied science, whilst the Romans standardised techniques of building and design, the supply of energy and raw materials and the degree of comfort and security they achieved within their towns and cities.