Mechanical engineering, one of the oldest and broadest engineering disciplines, applies mathematics, physics, and material sciences to design and build machines, focusing on force multipliers and moving components. Its origins lie in early civilizations, particularly the ancient Near East, where all six classic simple machines were invented and utilized. The wheel and axle emerged in Mesopotamia by the 5th millennium BC, while the lever, used for everything from balance scales to the shadoof water-lifting device, appeared around 5,000 years ago, crucial for projects like the Egyptian pyramids.

Significant advancements included the Assyrians' innovative use of iron weapons and improved chariots, Mesopotamia's application of pulleys for water transportation (c. 1500 BC), and the Persian Empire's development of the first practical water wheels by the early 4th century BC. Ancient Greece further revolutionized the field with Archimedes (287–212 BC) establishing fundamental theories like the Law of the Lever, and the Museum of Alexandria creating advanced crane pulleys. The journey continued with devices like the screw pump in Egypt and Heron of Alexandria's Aeolipile (c. 10–70 AD), the first steam-powered device, showcasing humanity's relentless drive for mechanical innovation.