Abstract: A chain drive (1), in particular for lifting devices, having a chain (3) which rotates about a chain wheel (2) and whose oval links (6) which are rotated in an alternate manner about 90.degree. interact as vertical and horizontal links with the chain wheel, wherein the horizontal links (6i) are received in pockets (7) of the chain wheel with substantially planar support surfaces (6) and can be supported with their curved ends (6') on teeth (10) which comprise convex flanks (12) and the vertical links (6s) are positioned in a groove (11) between the teeth, wherein the wire cross-section of the chain links (6) is a rectangle having a curvature adjoined thereto towards the inner part of the link and the convex flanks (12) and the planar support surfaces (8) contact each other in a substantially direct manner, i.