A simple machine consisting of a wheel with a rope or chain running over it, used to lift heavy objects or change the direction of force.
From Old French 'polie,' possibly derived from Greek 'polos' meaning axis or pole. The mechanical principle was understood by ancient civilizations, with Archimedes famously demonstrating pulley systems in ancient Greece.
Archimedes once claimed that with enough pulleys, he could move the Earth itself, leading to his famous quote 'Give me a lever long enough and a place to stand, and I will move the world.' Modern elevator systems still rely on pulley principles, just with steel cables instead of rope.
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