Ancient steam boats:
Vitruvius managed to tame the power of the aeolipyle by connecting its rotation axis to a clock like mechanism. Soon, larger models were created, reaching 10kW sizes. Those were soon connected to series of pulleys in order to increase torque and connected to rowing mechanisms on ships, allowing ships to dispense with oarsmen.
Eolipila, Steam engine Hero of Alexandria
Aeolipyla doing work
The working principle is incredible simple.
By the late 3rd century AD, all essential elements for constructing a steam engine were known by Roman engineers: steam power (in Hero's aeolipile), the crank and connecting rod mechanism (in the Hierapolis sawmill), the cylinder and piston (in metal force pumps), non-return valves (in water pumps) and gearing (in water mills and clocks) Roman technology
Question:
What would be the consequences, for Rome, of a fleet of steam powered boats, both militarily and economically?