Antikythera Mechanism
Historical deviceAbout
The Antikythera Mechanism is an ancient Greek device discovered in a shipwreck off the island of Antikythera. It is considered the world's first analog computer, dating back to the late 2nd century or early 1st century BCE. This sophisticated mechanism was used to calculate astronomical data, including the positions of the sun, moon, and planets. It also predicted lunar phases, eclipses, and even the timing of major athletic events like the Olympics. The device consists of a complex system of gears and dials, originally housed in a wooden box about the size of a shoebox. It features a zodiac dial on the front and additional dials on the back for tracking various astronomical cycles. Despite being fragmented into 82 pieces, researchers have reconstructed its functions, revealing a level of technological advancement that wasn't matched until the Middle Ages. The Antikythera Mechanism is now preserved at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, Greece.
