An ancient Greek device discovered in a shipwreck off the a Greek island of Antikythera, has people scratching their heads. Believed to be over 2,000 years old, it is one of the most remarkable discoveries in the history of archaeology. Was Antikythera an ancient computer? We will explore how this weird item might have been used to track celestial events.
Curiously, with a collection of bronze gears and dials, it was discovered in 190. It was found during the recovery of a sunken Roman ship. Ironically, considered as unimportant, it was not until decades later that the true significance of the mechanism was realized. Was Antikythera an ancient computer or something else? This ancient mystery continues to make us think.
The Antikythera Mechanism is a marvel of ancient engineering. This showcases a clever make that was previously unheard of for its time. Made of gear systems and moving dials, it showed an understanding of complex math. However, its tech suggests a high level of mechanics in ancient Greek society.
Ancient Computer or Calculator?
Various theories have been studied of the Antikythera. One clever idea is that it was a sophisticated astronomical calculator. Researchers have identified celestial cycles and positions that the device could track. Meanwhile, it seems it was used for eclipses and planetary motions. This theory aligns with the ancient Greeks’ keen interest in astronomy and their desire to understand and predict celestial phenomena.
The ancient mystery could also have served as a navigational instrument. Ancient ships needed celestial navigation, and this device could have provided them with information about the positions of the stars. Thus, helping them travel across the seas. Calculations and mechanisms within the device would have allowed sailors to work out their location, like a modern day map.
Link to Celestial Events
The connection between the Antikythera and celestial events is a subject of mystery. Researchers have discovered inscriptions and markings on it that link astronomical phenomena. These markings show us that it could track the movements of the sun, moon, planets, and possibly even predict eclipses. In addition, the strange celestial calculations continue to interest people today.
This amazing video shows more about this mysterious ancient discovery
Lastly, whilst these ideas suggest that it was an astronomical calculator, navigational tool or an old style of our modern computer, there are still questions. The unexplained nature of this weird device and the limited information available from the ancient writings, make it impossible to work out what it really is or was. Was Antikythera an ancient computer?
What do you think this ancient tool is? Please share your ideas or theories in the comment section.