A Brief History of the Elevator: From Archimedes to the Skyscraper
Today, it’s almost impossible to imagine a modern city without elevators. This technology has become such an invisible part of our daily lives that we rarely consider the profound impact it has had on architectural development. Elevators made skyscrapers possible — and forever transformed the shape of cities. But how did it all begin? The story reaches much further back than most people think.
Ancient Origins
The first written reference to an elevator dates back to 236 BC. The Roman architect Vitruvius reported that the first hoisting device, powered by the strength of people or animals, was created by the Greek genius Archimedes. These simple rope-based mechanisms were used mainly for construction and agricultural purposes.
Historical sources indicate that the Roman Colosseum used more than 24 hoisting platforms operated by over 200 slaves, lifting gladiators and wild animals onto the arena.
The Industrial Revolution and a Breakthrough in Safety
Until the 19th century, elevators were considered dangerous and unreliable, as a snapped rope usually meant certain death. Although the Industrial Revolution introduced steam and hydraulic engines that made elevators more powerful, the safety risk remained unsolved.
Everything changed in 1854, when American inventor Elisha Otis presented his groundbreaking innovation — the safety brake — at the New York World’s Fair. During the demonstration, he stood on a heavily loaded platform and ordered his assistant to cut the only supporting rope. After the rope snapped, the platform dropped just a few centimeters and immediately locked in place.
This dramatic moment proved that elevator travel could be safe — and opened the door to widespread, mainstream use.
The Age of Electricity
The next major leap forward came with the advent of electricity. Although early prototypes existed earlier, the true breakthrough occurred in 1880, when German engineer Werner von Siemens introduced the first commercially viable and widely adopted electric passenger elevator.
These models were significantly faster, more compact, and more efficient than their steam or hydraulic predecessors. By the late 1880s, New York and Chicago began equipping their first skyscrapers with electric elevators — a development that permanently reshaped the urban landscape.
Conclusion
From Archimedes’ simple hoist to today’s smart, high-speed systems, the elevator has undergone a long and fascinating evolution. It has become not only a symbol of comfort but also a symbol of progress. And the journey does not end here — modern elevators continue to unlock new possibilities, which we will explore in our upcoming articles.