The Antikythera mechanism is a 2,000 year old mechanical computer

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SUMMARY

The Antikythera mechanism, a 2,000-year-old mechanical computer, exemplifies ancient Greek innovation and technological prowess. Recent research utilizing advanced imaging techniques has provided deeper insights into its construction and functionality. Notable resources include documentaries from Nova and Nature, as well as a detailed presentation by Tony Freeth from University College London. This remarkable artifact was discovered in the Mediterranean, showcasing its historical significance and the luck involved in its recovery.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ancient Greek technology
  • Familiarity with mechanical computing concepts
  • Knowledge of imaging techniques in archaeology
  • Interest in historical artifacts and their significance
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore advanced imaging techniques used in archaeology
  • Research the historical context of the Antikythera mechanism
  • Watch documentaries on ancient technologies, specifically from Nova and Nature
  • Investigate the reproduction efforts of the Antikythera mechanism by Clickspring
USEFUL FOR

Historians, archaeologists, technology enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the evolution of mechanical computing and ancient innovations.

ElliotSmith
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TL;DR
2,000 year year old Greek-built mechanical analog computer may have bee the world's very first computer.
This was a marvel of technology for the time.

Leave it up to the Greeks to invent something like this, they were at the forefront of innovation in the ancient world.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antikythera_mechanism
 
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Computer science news on Phys.org
I saw a documentary on this and its discovery a few years ago at an archeology channel event that was in town here.
It is fascinating and amazingly ahead of when comparable mechanisms were made.
Also what a lucky find, at the bottom of the Mediterranean and covered in encrustations.
 
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And another link from Clickspring’s YouTube channel describing his reproduction of the mechanism.
 
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And a 1-3/4 hour video by Tony Freeth of University College, London, presented at Stanford University in 2015.

 
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