Heron of Alexandria

Heron of Alexandria was a Greek engineer and inventor who lived in the first century AD. He is best known for creating innovative machines, including the first steam engine, known as the aeolipile, which used steam pressure to produce rotary motion. Heron also designed automated devices, such as a water organ and vending machines, showcasing early principles of mechanics and pneumatics. His work combined mathematics and engineering, influencing later developments in technology. Heron's contributions laid foundational ideas for mechanical engineering and inspired future inventors and scientists throughout history.