The Antikythera Mechanism
An ancient Greek hand-powered orrery — the world's oldest known analog computer, predicting astronomical positions and eclipses decades in advance.
Overview
The Antikythera mechanism is an ancient Greek hand-powered geared device, considered the oldest known example of an analog computer. It was used to predict astronomical positions and eclipses for calendrical and astrological purposes decades in advance. Recovered in 1901 from the Antikythera shipwreck off the Greek island of Antikythera, its complexity has no known parallel for at least 1,000 years following.
Timeline
- c. 100 BCEBelieved manufacture date (Greek, possibly Rhodes or Corinth).
- c. 65 BCEShipwreck off Antikythera island.
- 1901-05-17Mechanism recovered by sponge divers.
- 1971Derek J. de Solla Price publishes first X-ray analysis.
- 2006Antikythera Mechanism Research Project publishes high-resolution CT scans in Nature.
Evidence on Record
- 01X-ray and CT scans of 82 surviving fragments (National Archaeological Museum, Athens)
- 02Inscriptions identifying the Olympic and Metonic cycles
Theories & Disputes
Some scholars (Freeth, Jones) propose the device was used in astrological prediction.
Its existence suggests Hellenistic mechanical knowledge far exceeded prior assumptions; comparable geared mechanisms don't reappear in Europe until the 14th century AD.