Although early prototypes of steam-powered devices were around as early as the first century AD, Thomas Savery is said to have invented the first commercially-used steam engine in 1698.

The steam engine may seem like a relic of the past. But without this game-changing invention, the modern world would be a much different place.

Steam engines, believe it or not, have been around for over 300 years. In England in 1698, Thomas Savery patented the first working steam engine—this was a simple machine that utilized the ...

One of the first steam engines — dubbed the Newcomen engine after its creator Thomas Newcomen — was also formidable at 9.5 meters long and tall.

In 1698, British inventor Thomas Savery patented a steam-powered pump, which he described as an "engine to raise water by fire." ...

The steam engine's story involves ingenuity and collaboration. Hero of Alexandria's early device showed steam's potential. Thomas Savery's engine pumped water from mines. James Watt improved ...

Today, Savery’s version of the steam engine is known as the Savery Pump. Here’s how it works, from Michigan State University: The Savery pump required pressurized steam to force the water upwards.