Greek Water Mills

Greek water mills were ancient machines used to grind grains into flour, powered by flowing water. Typically located near rivers or streams, they consisted of a large, horizontal wheel connected to internal gears and a grinding mechanism. As water flowed over or past the wheel, it caused it to spin, transferring energy to crush or grind the grain. These mills revolutionized food production by providing a reliable, automated way to process large quantities of grain, reducing manual labor and increasing efficiency in ancient Greek society. They exemplify early harnessing of natural resources for industrial purposes.