Painting from the Wardian tomb, depicting a saqia (sakkiyeh)

Painting from the Wardian tomb, depicting a saqia (sakkiyeh) or water wheel driven by two oxen. Reputedly developed by scientists at the famous Library of Alexandria, the device utilised gears to convert the circular motion of the animals into rotation of the vertically positioned water wheel. Country of Origin: Egypt Culture: Ancient Egyptian. Date/Period: Roman Period, probably mid 2nd C AD. Place of Origin: Alexandria. Material Size: Plaster, pigments. Credit Line: Werner Forman Archive/ Graeco-Roman Museum, Alexandria, Egypt. Location: 83.