A Discovery Beneath the Waves
In 1901, sponge divers exploring a shipwreck near the Greek island of Antikythera stumbled upon a mysterious bronze artifact. Among coins, statues, and pottery, the corroded device would later be identified as an ancient astronomical calculator.
A Complex Machine
Dated to around 150 BCE, the Antikythera Mechanism was a sophisticated assembly of interlocking gears. It could predict solar and lunar eclipses, track planetary movements, and even model the four-year cycle of the Olympic Games.
Decoding the Device
For decades, its purpose puzzled scientists. Using advanced imaging in the 21st century, researchers discovered inscriptions and diagrams revealing its astronomical function. It was hailed as the most advanced technology of its time, centuries ahead of anything similar.
Preserved for Study
Today, fragments of the mechanism are housed at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. It remains a subject of ongoing research, with new details about its operation continuing to emerge, offering insights into ancient Greek innovation.
In 1901, sponge divers exploring a shipwreck near the Greek island of Antikythera stumbled upon a mysterious bronze artifact. Among coins, statues, and pottery, the corroded device would later be identified as an ancient astronomical calculator. pic.twitter.com/9Mn4VajTYe
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