Southern Illinois University (SIU) students will showcase a working replica of an ancient chain bucket machine this week, offering a glimpse into the engineering ingenuity of the Romans and Greeks.
The demonstration will take place tomorrow at 9 a.m. in the southwest corner of the Engineering Building courtyard. Attendees can see the machine in action and learn about its historical use in lifting water from wells and cisterns. Project leaders and students will also discuss SIU’s Ancient Practice Project, which explores the intersection of humanities and STEM.
Bridging Ancient and Modern Engineering
The replica was built by students as part of SIU’s Ancient Practice Project, funded by a $100,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities in 2019. The initiative encourages students to explore connections between classical humanities and modern science, engineering, and technology. Students can even pursue a minor in Ancient Practice through the program.
Ken Anderson, project co-leader and director of SIU’s Advanced Energy Institute, explained the machine’s historical significance: “Ancient builders used these devices to move large quantities of water efficiently. Our team did an excellent job recreating a functional model to demonstrate how they worked.”
A Test for Future Engineers
The student team plans to present a full-scale demonstration to Asaturian Eaton and Associates, a local engineering firm sponsoring the project. The event highlights how ancient innovations continue to inspire modern engineering solutions.
Who can attend? The event is open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to see history come to life through hands-on learning.
