Thursday, February 17, 2011

Antikythera Mechanism


The Antikythera Mechanism is an ancient mechanical computer built by the Greeks to calculate positions of astronomical objects. It is the world's oldest known analog computer. Recovered in the beginning of the 20th century from the Antikythera wreck, its significance was not completely understood until decades later. It is phenomenally accurate in its calculations of the positions of the moon and planets. Estimated to have been built sometime between 100 and 150 BCE, the technology was lost with the Ancient Greeks.

Similar works didn't start to reappear until the 14th century, which makes the Antikythera mechanism outdate them by over thirteen centuries!
The complexity of the device itself is more similar to the creations of 19th century Europe.

The device is displayed at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens and even has a project researching it, aptly named The Antikythera Mechanism Research Project.

1 comment:

  1. The National Archaeological Museum is definitely a future place to visit. :)

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