The noria indicates originally a hydraulic machine making it possible to raise water by using the energy produced by the current. By analogy of operation, noria indicated transport systems thereafter.

Hydraulic machine

A noria is a machine Hydraulique which constitutes the ancestor of the central modern hydraulics. The Noria (Arab word of origin) driven by a horse-gear, was known Romans because the irrigation was an already old need in these lately conquered semi-arid areas.

It is used to raise water and functions according to the principle of the hydraulic chain. It is a large wheel with wings installed on a river and actuated by the current. A chain of cups fixed at this wheel raises and pours water in an associated aqueduct which distributes it.

In the zones without river, the norias were also used to go up the water of the wells, and thus to irrigate the cultures. In this case, it was generally a horse which, the bandaged eyes, made turn the wheel.

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