Athens, Greece – A recent study sheds new light on the mysterious Antikythera mechanism, a 2,200-year-old bronze mechanical computer believed to have been used by ancient Greeks to predict eclipses and planetary positions. Published in The Horological Journal, the research suggests that the calendar ring of the mechanism was designed to track the lunar calendar, contrary to previous assumptions.
Co-author Graham Woan, an astrophysicist at the University of Glasgow, expressed the significance of applying modern physics techniques to unravel the secrets of this ancient device in a statement. The Antikythera mechanism, discovered by a Greek sponge diver in 1900 off the coast of Antikythera Island, has intrigued scientists and historians alike for decades.
The mechanism, now housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, was first studied in detail by British science historian Derek J. de Solla Price in the 1950s. Price’s findings, along with subsequent research by other experts such as Michael Wright and Tony Freeth, have unveiled the complex workings and purpose of this early analog computer.
Through advanced imaging techniques and computational models, researchers have uncovered more about the Antikythera mechanism’s intricate gears and functions. The device was designed to track celestial bodies’ movements in the sky, serving as a valuable tool for ancient Greek astronomers and scholars.
The ongoing Antikythera Mechanism Research Project continues to provide new insights into this fascinating artifact, shedding light on the ancient Greeks’ advanced knowledge of astronomy and technology. The interdisciplinary efforts of scientists and historians have brought to life the remarkable capabilities and sophistication of the Antikythera mechanism, showcasing the ingenuity of its creators.