Aeolipile

The aeolipile (also called the aeolipyle, the eolipile, and Heron's (or Hero's) engine or turbine) is a bladeless radial steam turbine which spins when the central water container is heated. Torque is produced by steam jets exiting the turbine. The aeolipile is neither a practical source of power, nor a direct predecessor of the type of steam engine invented during the Industrial Revolution.

The Greek mathematician and engineer Heron (also called Hero) wrote the instructions for this device during the 1st century of the Common Era. However, the Roman architect and engineer Vitruvius is also credited with describing this device during the years 30 to 20 before the Common Era.