This chapter traces the evolution of mechanical innovation from the Eastern Mediterranean to Medieval Europe, spanning Byzantine and Islamic developments and their impact on early modern Europe. Byzantine rulers employed hydraulic marvels and automata to symbolize imperial and religious authority, featuring sophisticated inventions like automated thrones and singing birds. In the Islamic world, figures like the Banu Musa and Ismail Al-Jazari pioneered programmable automata and advanced waterworks, shaping courtly luxury and industrial practices. The transmission of Islamic knowledge during the Crusades led to the adoption of hydraulic engineering and automata in Medieval Europe, influencing architecture and cultural exchange. By the early modern period, automata embodied religious and political power, from religious displays to courtly ceremonies, anticipating the Renaissance’s technological advancements. The chapter explores the legacy of Medieval automata and other engineering “marvels,” illuminating their role in shaping societal dynamics and paving the way for Francesco I’s visionary automata at Pratolino.