Since ancient Roman machines were made at the most of perishable wood materials, there are no remains of ancient Roman cranes and only small parts of components have been found in archeological explorations like pulleys, cable pieces, and iron reinforcements.

The main direct sources of Roman times on the design of ancient Roman cranes can be found in artistic representations, and other information can be extracted from a literature that has been rediscovered and reinterpreted in the Renaissance, mainly referring to Vitruvius work (see below).

In ancient Rome, cranes were used for construction works. The Roman crane was manned by four men on either side of the machine. The crane was able to lift up to 3,000 kg. After upgrading and applying some modifications, it could lift up to 6,000kg.

A treadmill crane reconstruction in Germany.

Archeological remains and literature sources are used to work out design considerations and reconstruction activities on an ancient Roman crane. Design requirements have been elaborated by looking at the Vitruvius work as republished during the Renaissance and by comparing practical aspects of material and manufacturing both in ancient times and today possibilities. Marco Vitruvius was the author of a book, known today as “The Ten Books of Architecture“, a treatise written in Latin and ancient Greek about Architecture. It was dedicated to the Emperor Augustus.

This makes a great dockyard or building site scenic piece.