We know that there are many examples of ancient technology. Some disappeared over time and reappeared centuries later.
So did the Greek mathematician Heron who lived in the 1st century BC or the 1st century AD. He was the first to invent the steam engine in order to produce driving force.
He was born in Egypt to Greek parents. He was probably a professor at the Museum of Alexandria, which was founded by the rich Greeks of the area.
He named it a steam turbine or aeolosphere from Aeolus who was the god of the wind.
The device consists of a sphere with two nozzles located in opposite directions. Inside the sphere was water which was heated by fire. The water turned to steam and escaped from the nozzles pushing the ball to spin. It could spin up to 1,500 rpm.
This device was “forgotten” until 1577 when it was redesigned by Taqi al-Din.
[Source: http://www.mixanitouxronou.gr]
