The Antikythera Mechanism was discovered in 1900 off the coast of the Greek island Antikythera.The Antikythera Mechanism Research Project: How was it found? The device was used to calculate the movements of planets and track the phases of the moon. Experts believe the device was built sometime between 140 and 100 BC.The Guardian: Mysteries of computer from 65BC are solved (November 30, 2006)The Antikythera Mechanism: What is the Antikythera Mechanism?
Background
It is believed the Antikythera Mechanism was built sometime between 140 and 100 BC, possibly by Greek astronomer and philosopher Posidonius. Scientists thought it might have been used as a navigation device because it was found at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea on a ship which sank around 65 BC.AntikytheraMechanism.org: The Antikythera Mechanism It is now known the device was used to calculate the movements of the planets and moon, which helped in calculating the four-year cycle of the Olympiads.Scientific America: Ancient Greek Eclipse Calculator Marked Olympics (July 30, 2008)
Antikythera Mechanism Books and Merchandise
- Amazon.com: Antikythera Mechanism Search
References
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On display at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens
