Theodorus of Samos (sometimes spelled "Theodoras") was an ancient Greek sculptor and architect of the sixth century BC who along with Rhoecus, is often credited with the invention of ore smelting and, according to Pausanias, the craft of casting. He is also credited with inventing a water level, a carpenter's square, and, according to Pliny, a lock and key and the turning lathe. According to Vitruvius (vii, introduction), Theodorus is the architect of the Doric Order temple of Juno in Samos. In some texts he is described, above all, as a great artist and in some statues he is depicted as a great inventor.
