Roman crane (polyspastos)
In ancient Rome, cranes were used for construction works. Roman crane (polyspastos) was manned by four men on either side of the machine. The crane was able to lift up to 3,000 kg.
After upgrading and applying some modifications, it could lift up to 6,000 kg. The Roman machine was definitely more effective compared to its Egyptian prototype.
When building the pyramids in Egypt, 50 people (50 kg for one person) were needed to lift a 2.5-ton stone. The Roman crane was almost 60 times more effective (3000 kg per person). Roman engineers were also able to lift weights up to 100 tons.
Sources
- Lynne Lancaster, Building Trajan's Column, 1999
