The Antikythera Mechanism

The Antikythera Mechanism is believed to be the first analog computer designed to predict astronomical positions and eclipses. This extraordinary mechanism was found by sponge divers at the bottom of the sea, in a shipwreck near the Greek island of Antikythera in 1901. The machine dates from around the end of the 2nd century B.C. and was designed and constructed by Greek scientists. It is the most sophisticated mechanism known from the ancient world. The Antikythera Mechanism was housed in a wooden box. Inside the box were many detailed gears made of bronze whose complexity baffled scientists, since this type of “technology” was not thought to have been in existence until around 1575. The National Bank of Greece has created the Antikythera Mechanism Research Project, a group of scientists and historians who have dedicated themselves to researching this very important discovery. Currently work is still underway to completely decipher the inscriptions found on the inside of the Antikythera Mechanism. The final interpretation is to be released to the public in the near future. The Antikythera Mechanism is now on display for millions of yearly visitors at the National Archaeological Museum located in Athens, Greece.