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.