It is believed that the ancient knew nothing about the mechanics of the pulley, Somehow this strikes a false note, and doesn't make sense. It is utterly inconceivable that its mechanical advantages should remain hidden to these masters of handling great mass. Round shafts, turning in a bearing over which ropes pass, can also be a pulley. So here goes. I'll make it out of granite.
Granite is rock formed by fire.
It is very hard and extremely durable. Because it has been fused by fire it resists chipping and splitting. Modern men use diamond saws and drills to form it. But the fact, that it is hard, and resists cutting did not deter the ancients. They cut it with jeweled saws, drilled holes in it, and cut thousands of inscriptions in its facing.