Abstract: An axial turbine or axial compressor with bladed rotors (6, 7) rotating in opposite directions about a common axis, in particular for the expansion of steam and hot gases or for compressing gases, with mutually adjacent bladed rotors (6, 7) being mutually connected in a non-positive manner by way of the same toothed gearing (11, 12, 13, 14). In order to propose a respective design which allows applying the contra-rotating capability of axial flow turbines with a contra-rotating gear outside of the gear housing also in the case of several turbine wheels, and thus utilizing the aforementioned advantages which are inherent to this principle, namely of claiming higher pressure heads, it is provided that all bladed rotors (6, 7) rotating in the same direction of rotation are mutually connected by way of a rigid connecting element (5, 8).