Examine How Steam from the Aeolipile's Equatorial Tubes Causes the Sphere to Revolve
The aeolipile was designed by Heron of Alexandria; it was used to power toys and to amuse visitors.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Heron's aeolipile
Heron of Alexandria fashioned the first known “steam engine,” though he only used it to power toys and to amuse visitors.
-
Public DomainBefore the Industrial Revolution, power came from three main sources: humans, draft animals, and water.
The ingenuity people used in harnessing waterpower can be seen in this medieval-style mill. The waterwheel is turned by a stream and is connected to a shaft that leads into the building. At the other end of the shaft is a gear. The connection of a series of gears translates the power from the stream to a shaft that drives a millstone, which grinds flour from grain.
(30 sec; 1.84MB)
-
Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, Mainz; Thumbnail © Sborisov/Dreamstime.comStudying the effects of local construction on the Colosseum, Rome.
-
Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, Mainz; Thumbnail © Claudio Balducelli/Dreamstime.comLearn about Rome's numerous tunnels and underground chambers, which undermine the city and imperil its buildings.
