HYDROPOLIS

Design and construction of working replicas of ancient hydraulic devices (Ctesibius’ water clock, water-powered forge, and Hero’s Aeolipile) for the “Hydropolis” Water Museum in Wrocław.

In 2014, we designed and built working replicas of ancient hydraulic devices for the “History of Water Engineering” exhibition at the “Hydropolis” Water Museum in Wrocław. The devices were crafted from copper, brass, and bronze, reflecting the style of the ancient period. Each device includes water supply systems that can be activated interactively.

Details of the construction of Ctesibius’ water clock, which we created based on the ancient work De Architectura by Vitruvius for the Hydropolis Museum in Wrocław in 2014. Originally, the clock, which also functions as a calendar, operates using the difference in levels between an aqueduct and a drain. In the museum setting, it is powered by a pump. The clock indicates dusk and dawn using “unequal hours,” and we designed it specifically for the geographical latitude of Wrocław.

The Hero’s Aeolipile (a steam-powered sphere) and a model of a water-wheel-driven forge were also constructed. The Aeolipile, which can be interactively operated, is powered by a pump for safety, simulating the boiling process of the kettle over a fire. It functions according to the physical principles of the ancient original. The project was designed and executed independently for the “Hydropolis” Water Museum in Wrocław in 2014.

The project was carried out by Induforce.