who invented the archimedes screw

Archimedes is traditionally credited with inventing the Archimedes screw around the 3rd century BC.

This ingenious device—a rotating helical screw inside a tube—lifts water efficiently from lower to higher levels, revolutionizing ancient irrigation and drainage.

Historical Debate

Historians credit Archimedes of Syracuse (c. 287–212 BC), the brilliant Greek mathematician, with its creation during his time in Egypt.

Yet, evidence suggests earlier use: Egyptian and Assyrian screw pumps may date back to the 7th century BC for Nile irrigation.

No pre-250 BC literary or archaeological proof exists, leading scholars like John Peter Oleson to question if Archimedes adapted an existing Egyptian tool he observed on a water wheel.

"Archimedes invented the water screw when he visited Egypt... but he possibly found Egyptians already using the screw."

How It Works

• Place the lower end in water at an incline.
• Rotate the screw (manually, by animal, wind, or motor).
• The helix traps and lifts water pocket-by-pocket to the top outlet.

Component| Function
---|---
Hollow tube| Contains water and helix 9
Spiral blade| Scoops and elevates water per rotation 9
Lower end| Submerged in source 9
Upper end| Discharges water higher up 9

Ancient and Modern Legacy

Introduced during the Hellenistic era, it spread via the Roman Empire for farming and mining, fading in Europe by the 3rd century AD but thriving elsewhere.

Today, it's revived for eco-friendly wastewater treatment, aquaculture, and even space tech—proving its timeless genius.

Fun fact: Legend says King Hiero tasked Archimedes with bilge-pumping ships, sparking the idea.

TL;DR: Archimedes gets the credit, but ancient Egypt likely inspired it—still pumping water worldwide after 2,300+ years.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.