Unveiling the Antikythera Mechanism: The Ancient Greek Computer
The Antikythera Mechanism, recovered in 1901 from a shipwreck off the Greek island of Antikythera, is an ancient Greek device dating back to around 150–100 BC, often referred to as the first mechanical computer in human history.
This remarkable device consisted of a complex system of bronze gears housed within a wooden box.
Its purpose was far from ordinary; it was purely astronomical. It was capable of predicting the positions of celestial bodies, forecasting eclipses, and tracking long-term cycles such as the Metonian and Saros calendars.
With the development of imaging and X-ray techniques, particularly in the early 2000s, researchers discovered that the mechanism was far more complex than previously thought. Studies have shown that it was capable of simulating the irregular movement of the moon and even tracking the four-year Olympic cycle, linking celestial phenomena to the dates of the ancient Greek Games.
Today, the Antikythera Mechanism is considered a pinnacle of Hellenistic engineering and a unique achievement in astronomy and mechanics, unmatched for over a thousand years.
Even today, research into it continues to reshape our understanding of the level of scientific knowledge in the ancient world and reveals the exceptional genius of its creators.