How was the screw first used?

The screw was first used in ancient Greece around the 3rd century BC, primarily as a device for lifting water, known as the Archimedes screw, attributed to the mathematician Archimedes. It later evolved into a fastening device, with the concept of the screw being utilized in various tools and machinery during the Roman era. By the Middle Ages, screws were increasingly used in woodworking and metalworking, facilitating the assembly of furniture and mechanical devices. The development of the screw-cutting lathe in the 16th century further advanced its manufacturing, making screws more widely available.