This is about the Aeolipile. Now, before you jump all over me, I am aware that there is little to no chance of Hero's invention kick-starting an industrial revolution or doing much more than party tricks. What I am instead suggesting is this: the devices are a little bit more popular than OTL, and there are more of them around and many more records of their construction. This results in the idea sticking around in parts of the world during the dark ages and surviving, and simply being around: either played around with by Byzantines or Irish monks or Arab scholars.
Could this have any effects? I've seen references to church organs being operated by steam in the 12th century, maybe this could be more widespread and earlier? Steam-powered roasting jacks in the courts of late medieval kings?
And, if the rudimentary technology is around and being looked at for longer, when do we get to the point in terms of other technologies were it can be turned into something practical?