The Norias of Hama in Syria are large, ancient water wheels originally built to lift water from the Orontes River for irrigation. These wooden structures, some of which date back to the medieval period, are notable for their large size and intricate design. They are not used for irrigation today but remain a symbol of Hama's historical engineering and beauty. Historically, Hama was known as one of the first cities to use these structures for agricultural purposes.