This work makes use
of modern theoretical knowledge and experience of water-power generation and
its applications to learn more about the performance and behaviour of Roman
machines, subjecting the archaeological evidence to functional analysis. In
some earlier examinations of water-mills the need to assess potential power and
productive output has been the dominant aim. Hitherto, no attempt has been made
to measure the power necessary to drive Roman style millstones, nor to
calculate their production/power rate. In this examination, using
hydro-mechanical analysis, the disparate sites that have appropriate evidence
are evaluated and the results synthesized to provide us with a clearer picture
of technical development and achievement and, where possible, evolution.