A seemingly unassuming lump of corroded bronze has confounded investigators for more than a century, ever since it proved to contain precision gearwheels that simply should not have existed in the ancient Greek world. A new study, using cutting-edge techniques, has now revealed what this machine could do, and how it did it, as Tony Freeth explains.
115 years ago, divers found a hunk of bronze off a Greek island. It changed our understanding of human history.
Scientists may have finally made a complete digital model for the Cosmos panel of a 2,000-year-old mechanical device called the Antikythera mechanism that's believed to be the world's first computer.
The Antikythera Mechanism,World Mysteries, Unexplained Things, Urban Legends, mythology, Greek,
The Antikythera Mechanism, an ancient Greek astronomical calculator, has challenged researchers since its discovery in 1901. Now split into 82 fragments, only a third of the original survives, including 30 corroded bronze gearwheels. Microfocus X-ray Computed Tomography (X-ray CT) in 2005 decoded the structure of the rear of the machine but the front remained largely unresolved. X-ray CT also revealed inscriptions describing the motions of the Sun, Moon and all five planets known in antiquity and how they were displayed at the front as an ancient Greek Cosmos. Inscriptions specifying complex planetary periods forced new thinking on the mechanization of this Cosmos, but no previous reconstruction has come close to matching the data. Our discoveries lead to a new model, satisfying and explaining the evidence. Solving this complex 3D puzzle reveals a creation of genius—combining cycles from Babylonian astronomy, mathematics from Plato’s Academy and ancient Greek astronomical theories.
The mysterious Antikythera mechanism—sometimes called 'the world's first computer'—has fascinated scholars for decades.
The discovery of this calculating machine is so significant that part of the history of ancient technology must be rewritten.
The discovery of this calculating machine is so significant that part of the history of ancient technology must be rewritten.
At the center of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a device quite like the real ancient Greek artifact known as the Antikythera mechanism, which has been called the world’s oldest computer. “Every Indiana Jones adventure needs an exotic MacGuffin,” writes Smithsonian.com’s Meilan Solly, and in this latest and presumably last installment in
The device tracked the motions of the sun, moon and five planets.
Scientists used an analysis technique from gravitational wave astronomy to suggest the Antikythera mechanism had a lunar calendar.
Antikythera mechanism, ancient Greek mechanical device made of bronze and used to calculate and display information about astronomical phenomena. The Antikythera mechanism had the first known set of scientific dials or scales and was the most complex mechanism until medieval clocks 1,000 years later.
The Antikythera Mechanism, an ancient Greek astronomical calculator, has challenged researchers since its discovery in 1901. Now split into 82 fragments, only a third of the original survives, including 30 corroded bronze gearwheels. Microfocus X-ray Computed Tomography (X-ray CT) in 2005 decoded the structure of the rear of the machine but the front remained largely unresolved. X-ray CT also revealed inscriptions describing the motions of the Sun, Moon and all five planets known in antiquity and how they were displayed at the front as an ancient Greek Cosmos. Inscriptions specifying complex planetary periods forced new thinking on the mechanization of this Cosmos, but no previous reconstruction has come close to matching the data. Our discoveries lead to a new model, satisfying and explaining the evidence. Solving this complex 3D puzzle reveals a creation of genius—combining cycles from Babylonian astronomy, mathematics from Plato’s Academy and ancient Greek astronomical theories.
A 2,000-year-old computer demonstrates remarkable engineering and astronomical precision.
A seemingly unassuming lump of corroded bronze has confounded investigators for more than a century, ever since it proved to contain precision gearwheels that simply should not have existed in the ancient Greek world. A new study, using cutting-edge techniques, has now revealed what this machine could do, and how it did it, as Tony Freeth explains.
Scientists used an analysis technique from gravitational wave astronomy to suggest the Antikythera mechanism had a lunar calendar.
Explore the history of inventions and inventors in this children's book written by Brooke Knight and discover the revolutionary ideas used to create the foundation for our lives. Written for kids ages 8–14.
🌌 *Digital Calendar Interface Inspired by the Antikythera Mechanism* 🌌 Experience the perfect blend of ancient charm and modern intricacy with my specially designed Digital Calendar Interface inspired by the Antikythera Mechanism. An exceptional piece of art for history and astronomy enthusiasts. 🔍 *Resolution and Details:* - Width: 10370 px, Height: 16500 px - Color Depth: 24 bit - Resolution: 300 dpi 🌟 *Features:* 1. *World History at Your Fingertips:* Feel the connection to time with details on years, months, weeks, days, and hours. 2. *Astronomical Events Come to Life:* Witness the magic of solar and lunar eclipses with real-time visualization. 3. *Modern Review of Ancient Visuals:* Merge the traditional architecture of the Antikythera with modern graphic details, creating a unique atmosphere. 4. *Customizable and Printer-Friendly:* Choose your preferred colors and obtain a piece that harmonizes with your home decor. 📥 *Digital Download:* - Quick and easy digital download for instant use. 🎁 *Perfect Gift Opportunity:* - An ideal gift for history and astronomy enthusiasts! 🚀 *Note:* The details in the visuals are specially crafted to emphasize the mystery and historical significance of the Antikythera Mechanism. 🔮 *Just One Click Away:* [Buy Now and Uncover the Secrets of Antikythera!](#)
The Antikythera Mechanism, an ancient Greek astronomical calculator, has challenged researchers since its discovery in 1901. Now split into 82 fragments, only a third of the original survives, including 30 corroded bronze gearwheels. Microfocus X-ray Computed Tomography (X-ray CT) in 2005 decoded the structure of the rear of the machine but the front remained largely unresolved. X-ray CT also revealed inscriptions describing the motions of the Sun, Moon and all five planets known in antiquity and how they were displayed at the front as an ancient Greek Cosmos. Inscriptions specifying complex planetary periods forced new thinking on the mechanization of this Cosmos, but no previous reconstruction has come close to matching the data. Our discoveries lead to a new model, satisfying and explaining the evidence. Solving this complex 3D puzzle reveals a creation of genius—combining cycles from Babylonian astronomy, mathematics from Plato’s Academy and ancient Greek astronomical theories.
Antikythera Mechanism is the 10th issue in the ‘Archeology & Symbolism’ series. Taking advantage of ultra high relief Smartminting©️ technology, the Antikythera mechanism is presented in a completely new perspective. The coin has an antique finish and is struck on a large diameter 3 oz pure .999 silver 65mm blank in the highest quality possible. It has a limited mintage of only 333 pieces for this antique finish version and it delivers in a beautiful box with a Certificate of Authenticity. You can find the entire lineup of Antikythera Mechanism premium finishes HERE Coin description: The reverse depicts the Antikythera Mechanism in ultra high relief in the middle. Around the motif are various bas sculptures from ancient Greece surrounded by a circle of waves and metal ornaments representing the sea and ship it was found in. On the edge are the inscriptions: “Antikythera mechanism” (the name) and “2023” (the year of issue). It has ultra-high relief and interesting small details all related to ancient Greece and its scientists. The obverse side of the coin depicts the Coat of Arms of the Cook Island in a special appearance with the inscriptions: “ELIZABETH II” (name of the Queen), “COOK ISLANDS” (the issuing country), “ARCHEOLOGY & SYMBOLISM” (the name of the series) and “20 DOLLARS” (the face value). Background information: The Antikythera Mechanism is generally referred to as the first known analogue computer and discovered in 1902 in a Roman shipwreck of the coast of Antikythera, Greece. It was constructed by Greek scientists in the 1st or 2nd century BC based on theories of astronomy and mathematics of that time. Studies have revealed that it must have had a minimum of 37 meshing bronze gears in a wooden frame. These gears were able to track the movements of the Moon and the Sun through the zodiac and was able to predict astronomical positions and eclipses many years in advance. Highlights: Struck from 3 oz .999 pure silver Interesting and intricately minted fine details Popular and enduring concept series Super low mintage Smartminting high relief Previous issues: Dendera Zodiac Coyolxauhqui Stone 1922 Tomb
It’s no secret that a great deal of Western civilization was informed by the ancient Greeks. They revolutionized mathematics and geometry, developing astronomy along the way. They built ornate statu...
This is according to Argentinian researchers who found an eclipse calendar - a dial on the back of the mechanism - includes a solar eclipse that happened on May 12, 205 B.C.
The Antikythera Mechanism, an ancient Greek astronomical calculator, has challenged researchers since its discovery in 1901. Now split into 82 fragments, only a third of the original survives, including 30 corroded bronze gearwheels. Microfocus X-ray Computed Tomography (X-ray CT) in 2005 decoded the structure of the rear of the machine but the front remained largely unresolved. X-ray CT also revealed inscriptions describing the motions of the Sun, Moon and all five planets known in antiquity and how they were displayed at the front as an ancient Greek Cosmos. Inscriptions specifying complex planetary periods forced new thinking on the mechanization of this Cosmos, but no previous reconstruction has come close to matching the data. Our discoveries lead to a new model, satisfying and explaining the evidence. Solving this complex 3D puzzle reveals a creation of genius—combining cycles from Babylonian astronomy, mathematics from Plato’s Academy and ancient Greek astronomical theories.
Archaeologists excavating the famous ancient Greek shipwreck that yielded the Antikythera mechanism have recovered more than 50 items including a bronze armrest (possibly part of a throne), remains of a bone flute, fine glassware, luxury ceramics, a pawn from an ancient board game, and several elements of the ship itself. - HeritageDaily - Archaeology News
It’s no secret that a great deal of Western civilization was informed by the ancient Greeks. They revolutionized mathematics and geometry, developing astronomy along the way. They built ornate statu...