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The most complex machine of the Roman era was perhaps a water organ. (I would guess that for long historical periods the most complex machines were keyboard-controlled musical instruments.)


Oh see you did it now - opened up a vacuum about ancient tech.

I'll start: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeolipile


Great link, thanks for sharing! This has the makings of an excellent thread – please do continue sharing cool stuff!! :o)


(The question as to how - and why or why not - we could go from the Aeolipile to full blown steam engines, I've always found fascinating ...

... what other things / proceses / materials / frame of mind made the steam engine possible vs. this.

What made for an industrial revolution in the 1800's vs. the 1st century AD).-


One thing that severly hampered the romans was their number system.


Makes sense that it would ...




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