Ancient Technology; The Norias of Hama (Syria) 500+ Year Old Water-Wheels of the Levant

Howdy. Today we will view the oldest photographs of The Norias, or Waterwheels, of Hama. These exist in the city of Hama in modern Syria. These waterwheels vary in age, but are all considered to be at least 500 years old, and until 1854 these were the largest waterwheels in the entire world.

The largest is 69 feet in circumference. The photographs are spectacular. Today, two of the wheels are the second and third largest in the world. These waterwheels supplied water to a majority of the ancient city of Hama, and were built directly into the greater architecture of the city.

These waterwheels paved the way for similar structures across the earth which followed. This is some of the finest old world technology I have come across. These photographs date to the mid to late 1800’s, and early 1900’s, as well as a few modern photographs for comparison.

Topics discussed today:

[AndreDonDodda-krlb]

It feels good seeing the numbers on this channel steadily climbing. I'm proud of you buddy. Much love from Schuylkill County coal country!

[richardcastaway]

Of course. The world has always been more advanced than it has wild. Everything was re introduced in the late 1800 early 1900 in a profit version of its former glory

[DeOne-qewv]

Thank you, my dear. I am from the city of Hama and have been following you for a long time, i want to add some information for history enthusiasts.

"In around the year 64, the Romans seized Hama along with other parts of Syria, and their rule lasted for a long time. Their power grew, and they introduced civilization, leading to the flourishing of the region and an increase in its population. During their era, the place known as Balaas was a vast district with many villages and fruitful trees such as olive trees and others. They were the ones who established the water wheels (norias) on the Orontes River to utilize the water, making it flow to elevated places. Additionally, they dug a water channel from the direction of Masyaf to Hama, covered with stones, allowing water to flow inside it to irrigate the surrounding villages and provide drinking water for the city's inhabitants. They also constructed another channel from the east of Salamiyah, passing north of Hama to Qalaat al-Madiq to nourish the neighboring villages as well.

They expanded the construction of the fortress, beautified it as they wished, and built some bridges over the Orontes River, which we will mention. From their remains, it is evident that they were diligent and industrious people, and the region was densely populated during their time. A traveler in the countryside of Hama would hardly leave the ruins of one village before encountering the ruins of another, suggesting that if these areas were populated, the number of inhabitants would be many times the current population. Hama had walls surrounding it made of white stone built by the Roman Emperor Aurelian, with numerous gates. The city remained under Roman control until the Muslims took control ."

Source: "The History of Hama" by A . Sabouni .

[Allium_]

Amazing how advanced everything was back then. It’s funny how most people think everyone and everything was primitive pre 1800s.

[jakeletzler]

At 5:00 it shows a big wheel feeding water into an aquafer and has 2 smaller ones working together to, what looks like, power a piston pump that would push water thru a pipe underground.

[MegaFrankgarcia]

I would have liked more context about the town & buildings in the background, but looking at this infrastructure through the lens of a construction manager all I'm doing is estimating how many blocks or bricks there has to be (about a million) to build this, the labor, the skill masters, where do i get all these skilled workers from?, maintenance expectations, the organization & design process to build something this massive & precise. It can be mind boggling. Great video!!

[krisward]

Thanks for making these videos! I look forward to being educated and enlightened.

[juliesunshine]

Lovely food for much thought. Thank you for keeping the music low in volume. It's much prettier that way. You're the best!

[butchmitch]

They do resemble giant flywheels, such as are found attached to the crank shafts of 4 cycle gasoline powered engines; right down to the gear teeth.

[Lelabear]

Fascinating! Often wondered if some of this old tech was integrated into the World's Fair amusements, like the Ferris Wheel and those dynamo rides that spun real fast and slung people off.

[ronsimpson]

To compare the concept of 'Circuit-board Earth' to the present ones used today, one must grasp the concept that: 1> we all live on the "plane of inertia".
2> Above it is the + dielectric.
3> Below us is the -dielectric. Or ground.
Everything seeks equillibrium or equalization through dissapation.
❤️✌️

[GrandAncientOak]

Makes me think about the Antikythera mechanism: a marvel of ancient engineering so advanced it continues to astound contemporary scientists and engineers. If such sophisticated technology was within their reach, one can only imagine the ingenuity and complexity they applied to everyday infrastructure. The mere thought offers a glimpse into a world where even the most mundane aspects of life were imbued with extraordinary innovation.

[Gerngoblaski]

Absolutely hidden technology. There is no doubt at least in my mind.

[bookofrevelation]

Interesting picture of waterwheel at bottom of multiple layers of other wheels which when touching the sails become teeth of gears that would naturally develop when using one and discovering the use for the other. Gears can then be used as levers to convert/change torque and increase power.

[kipbrown]

I think this is just the tip of what was going on back then !!!!

[tiakennedy]

Wow! First time I have heard or seen these, thank you 🙏

[datdudeguy]

They were so popular in ancient times, the elites of the time wore they're hair styled like them. Source: The Lady of Elche (which people are saying looks like alien tech or something)

[nixswatson]

Absolutely awesome pictures of these ginormous water wheels!!! As a child my favourite ride at the funfair was always the ferris wheel. Great vid and always love the bits with the relaxing music no talking helps with my insomnia makes me want to sleep thank you

[vaman]

So very interesting, I had no idea. thank you :)

[jmc]

Wow this is so interesting. They understood engineering and physics to some degree.