Archimedes, (287-212 B.C.), the greatest of Greek scientists was a pioneer in the practical application of solar energy.  Archimedes, when he was superintending the defense of Syracuse during the siege by the Romans in 212 B.C., succeeded in setting fire to the roman warships by means of a "burning mirror."

The Ancient Greeks had no artificial means of cooling their homes during the scorching summers; nor were their heating systems , mostly portable charcoal-burning blazers, adequate to keep them warm in the winter.  The Greeks learned to build their houses to take advantage of the suns rays during the moderately cool winters, and avoid the suns heat during the hot winters.  Thus solar architecture-designing buildings to make primal use of the sun-was born in the west.  Individual homes were oriented toward the southern horizon, and entire cities were planned to allow their citizens equal access to the winter sun.  By running the streets in a checkerboard pattern running east-west and north-south pattern every home could face south, permitting the winter sun to flow into the house throughout the day.