The Antikythera Mechanism

Adam Hennessy
4 min readMar 21, 2024
Photo by Luke Hodde on Unsplash

Introduction

I have had a few requests for this one so today we delve into the Antikythera Mechanism.

The Antikythera Mechanism is a remarkable ancient device discovered in a shipwreck off the coast of the Greek island of Antikythera in 1901. This mechanism has intrigued historians, archaeologists, and scientists since its discovery. This intricate and sophisticated mechanism, believed to date back to the 2nd century BCE, is often hailed as the world’s first analogue computer. It was an extraordinary feat of ancient engineering, raising questions about the technological capabilities of our ancestors. Beyond its mechanical brilliance, the Antikythera Mechanism has also given rise to numerous conspiracy theories and mysteries, adding an air of intrigue and speculation to its already enigmatic existence.

Map of Island

What is the Antikythera Mechanism

The Antikythera Mechanism was discovered in a corroded state, its true purpose and complexity hidden beneath centuries of sea-dwelling decay. Upon closer examination, experts found that it was a complex system of gears and dials, which indicated astronomical and calendar information. The…

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