22. Archimedes Screw
- Invented By: Archimedes of Syracuse And/Or Ancient Egyptians
During ancient times, they’d mostly refer to the Archimedes Screw as the “water screw.” Of course, most of us credit Archimedes with inventing it. However, some believe Ancient Egyptians are just as responsible for it as they were using one well before Archimedes. It is more likely that the two had similar versions of the same thing.

This machine transfers water from low-lying bodies of water into simple irrigation ditches. The water is then pumped by turning this screw, inside of a pipe. This also helps in sewage treatment plants even today. People would use the Archimedes Screw concept for powders and grains as well. We even use it in some form in several areas today, which are too numerous to name.