It was a machine of the 3rd century B.C., used as a water pump (it is the most ancient pumping device in Europe), remains of which were found by Tomlinson during excavations at Perachora Korinthias.

It consisted of a large vertical wheel, bearing bronze or clay containers, which rotated with the help of animals through two wooden cogwheels perpendicularly connected. The containers filled with water at the lower point of the wheel and subsequently tipped over to a tailrace at the highest point of its course.

SOURCES: Tomlinson, The Perachora waterworks, Chr. Lazos, Hydraulic instruments and mechanisms in Egypt during the Ptolemaic era.