The Scale Model
From a hidden pipe at the very peak of the mountain, saffron dissolved in wine spurted out high into the air and, raining down in scattered streams, it sprinkled the goats grazing all around with a fragrant shower, until, dyed to a greater beauty, they changed their natural white colour to a golden yellow. When the theatre was filled with the delightful smell, a chasm in the earth opened and swallowed the wooden mountain. Apuleius, Metamorphoses 10.29–34.
In Alexandria, Hero was working with technologies inspired by theatrical automata.
Once activated, his mobile Dionysiac shrine self-propelled forward miraculously. On coming to a stop, the altar came alive: flames erupted spontaneously, smoke snaked upwards, jets of liquid spurted from Dionysus’ wand, and wine cascaded from his cup, splashing onto a small panther. Dancing bacchae encircled the shrine to the sound of drums and cymbals. When the noise subsided, Dionysus and Nike both turned, and the altar came alive again. Finally, the shrine returned to its starting place, ending the spectacular display.
Despite these complex actions, the mechanisms comprised very simple components: cords attached to axles, wheels, spindles, and pulleys which dropped counterweights, released pins, opened doors, and moved plugs.
Click here for an AR view of Hero's mobile automaton Document (vbitz.github.io)