Interesting Old Times Past: Ancient Greek Device to Predict Astronomical Phenomena

Built over 2,000 years ago, the Antikythera mechanism has been described as the oldest example of an analogue computer used to predict the movement of the sun, moon and occurrence of eclipses decades in advance.

Found by sponge divers in a shipwreck off the coast of the Greek island Antikythera in 1901, the Antikythera mechanism is believed to have been designed and constructed by Greek scientists over 2000 years ago.

According to research (1.), the mechanism could accurately predict the motions of planets and stars, even when they would appear to move backwards across the sky.

Researchers have said:

“It challenges all our preconceptions about the technological capabilities of the ancient Greeks.”

No other instrument of such complexity dating back that far has ever been found.

X-rays have revealed inscriptions describing the motions of the Sun, Moon and all five planets known in antiquity.

Consisting of 82 fragments, only a third of the original mechanism now survives, including 30 corroded bronze gearwheels.

The remains of this ancient “computer” is on display in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.

The Antikythera mechanism on display in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.

Researchers have used X-ray scanning equipment and imaging technology to read text engraved on the Antikythera Mechanism.