Hero’s Engine or Aeolipile is the earliest recorded steam engine from about the first century AD.
Hero of Alexandria ( c AD10—c AD70 ) was a greek mathematician, inventor and writer on Mechanical and Physical subjects.

It is not known whether he invented the Aeolipile or whether he recorded a previously known invention. It is doubtful whether the engine was ever used to produce useful work — it is inherently very inefficient. It was probably used to demonstrate how steam pressure can be used to produce movement.

This is a Sussex Steam design of a working model of a Hero type engine.

This model works at low pressure ( less than 4 psi) and can be operated by blowing into the boiler (using a tube) or by using a compressed air source.

It will also work with live steam—but due to its nature, hot water and steam can be sprayed over a wide area everywhere ( a bit like a horizontally mounted Catherine Wheel ! ). It is imperative that you take suitable precautions to guard against fire, hot water damage and scalding water by wearing suitable protective clothing and protect any furniture or other items from the spray.

Kit assembly involves the use of a solder torch with a naked flame and operation by live steam also involves a
naked flame and boiling water. Both can create possible fire and scalding hazards.

The kit must NOT be assembled or operated by children.