Final answer:
A shaduf was a simple machine used in ancient Egypt to lift water. It worked by utilizing a counterweight and a long beam to raise a bucket of water. The shaduf was commonly found in ancient Egypt and was used for agricultural irrigation.
Step-by-step explanation:
A shaduf was a simple machine used in ancient Egypt to lift water from a lower elevation to a higher elevation. It consisted of a long horizontal beam with a counterweight at one end and a bucket or scoop at the other. The counterweight provided the force to lift the water from wells or rivers, and the operator would pull down on the weighted end of the beam to raise the bucket and its contents.
The shaduf was commonly found in ancient Egypt and was used to aid in agricultural irrigation. Its usage was widespread along the Nile River, which provided a vital water source for farming in the region.