The Antikythera Mechanism: An Ancient Greek Computer
A piece of the Antikythera Mechanism. Source: Brett Seymour, WHOI
120 years ago, off the coast of Antikythera island, divers discovered the wreck of a 1st century BCE ship. Many amazing treasures from ancient Greece were pulled from this find: statues of bronze and marble, jewelry, coins, and pottery, but one strange item stood out from the rest. A lump of bronze and wood, not much bigger than a book, that had corroded away over the centuries. It wasn't until a year later, in 1902, that any interest was taken in the device when it was discovered that it contained gear pieces within.
The gears were thought anachronistic to the device, estimated to have been constructed in the 2nd century BCE. Archaeologists were puzzled over the machine until they realized it's purpose. The Antikythera Mechanism was a cosmological clock designed to track the movement of the stars.
Research has continued until this day, with new tools bringing new information. More recently, the device was analyzed with x-ray technology, helping to discover the internal workings as well as the remains of script on the wheels. These fragments of text have been extrapolated into a kind of user manual; a handbook for an ancient computer. It seems this might have been the first ancestor to device you're reading on right now! You can check out this amazing video from the BBC to learn more about the Antikythera Mechanism and if you're interested in more computer history, take a look at our piece on the Cray 1 Supercomputer!
Featured Product
Martian Meteorite Pendant
Latest News
-
Apr 27, 2025 Lyndon Johnson: Architect of the U.S. Space Program Read More -
Apr 23, 2025 Can I Lick It? Yes You Can! Read More -
Apr 18, 2025 Scientists Film a Colossal Squid in its Natural Habitat! Read More -
Apr 16, 2025 Is It Legal To Own a Meteorite: How to Start Your Outer Space Collection! Read More -
Apr 16, 2025 Is It Legal To Own a Dinosaur Fossil? How to start your Dinosaur Collection! Read More -
Apr 16, 2025 Archaeologists Discover Tomb of an Unknown Pharaoh! Read More
Cool Things!
Lyndon Johnson: Architect of the U.S. Space Program
The Space Race is an era etched in the mythos of the United States. The starting gun, fired October 4th, 1957, as the Soviet Union launched the first-ever artificial satellite into space, was quickly answered by President John F. Kennedy a month later. In a special session of Congress, he set forth the goal of landing a man on the moon before the decade was out. If Kennedy was Jason on this voyage to the stars, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson was his Argus, constructing the means of transport long before this challenge was issued and long before his superior’s assassination tumbled the nation into darkness.
Scientists Film a Colossal Squid in its Natural Habitat!
One hundred years after its discovery, scientists have captured the elusive colossal squid on film in its natural habitat. The juvenile squid was found around 2,000 feet below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean near the South Sandwich Islands. Measuring about one foot long, it drifts through the sea with translucent skin, pearly eyes and colorful tentacles.
Archaeologists Discover Tomb of an Unknown Pharaoh!
Specimen Deep Dives
Returning to the Moon: The Apollo 14 Mission
The Secrets of the Space Shuttle: Learn about Mini Museum's Shuttle Tile Material!
Gondwana: When the Earth Was One
Long Form Articles
Can I Lick It? Yes You Can!
Have you ever been unable to tell if a fossil was really a fossil, but you were too embarrassed to admit it? Have you ever wanted to lick a fossil just because, but you didn’t want to risk judgment from your peers? Well, good news! You can kill two birds with one stone! Licking a fossil can actually help you determine if it’s the real deal or just another rock.
Is It Legal To Own a Meteorite: How to Start Your Outer Space Collection!
Meteorites are some of the rarest geological specimens to be found on Earth. Of course, since these stones are not of our world, purchasing them can sometimes be a confusing process. Is it legal to own a meteorite? In short, yes! Read on for help starting your cosmic collection!
Is It Legal To Own a Dinosaur Fossil? How to start your Dinosaur Collection!
So you want to start fossil collecting!? Amateur paleontology is a fascinating and fun hobby that can even nab you an award! Dinosaur bones are some of the most sought-after specimens in the world, so you may be wondering, is it even legal to own a dinosaur bone? In short, yes! Read on for more help starting your fossil collection!