Roman EngineeringMachines and Mechanisms

Gustavo Trapp3rd Session, 2011

Roman Engineering Main Sources:

– Vitrubius (c. 80–70 BC - after 15 BC)

• De Architectura

– Pliny the Elder (23 AD – 79AD)

• Naturalis Historiae

– Heron of Alexandria (c. 10–70 AD)

• Pneumatica, Automata, Mechanica,

Main types of machines

– Siege machines

– Industrial machines

– Small mechanisms

Siege machines

Mostly evolutions of early greek designs Ballistae (arrow throwers)

Lithobolos (stone throwers)

De Re Militari, by Vegetius, c.430-450 AD

Siege machines

Balistae• Static

• High degree of accuracy

• Usually constructed on site

• Metal parts carried around

• 3 shots per minute

Variations• Manuballista

• Carroballista

Siege machines

Lithobolos/Onager/Mangonel Used to throw Rocks

Burning objects

Dead animals or people

Capacity

10 to 180 lb stones

Up to 500 meters (1500ft)

Industrial Machines Pumps Water mills Wind mills Pulley-based machines for lifting and transporting

weights Machines that convert rotary to linear motion and

vice-versa

Roman EngineeringPumps

Rio Tinto Mine, Spain

Lifting mechanisms

Roman Engineering

13 000 lb vs. 110 lb

Manual CraneManual Crane

Threadwheel Crane

Roman Engineering

Machines that convert rotary to linear motion

Hierapolis, Asia Minor c. 350 AD

Stone Saw mill

Small mechanisms Odomoter Astronomical computer Hydraulic organ

Roman Engineering

Antikhera

Questions ?