After 2000 years at the bottom of the ocean, explorers discovered the ancient Greek Antikythera shipwreck. In 1900 divers retrieved pieces of misshaped and mold covered bronze which resembled not much more than rocks, until researchers looked much closer and found what would be the first known mechanism in history to resemble a computer.
Only 82 fragments survived, which was around a third of the device. There were gears and inscriptions to observe. This meant scientists have had to piece together the full picture using X-Ray data and an Ancient Greek mathematical method.
The Antikythera mechanism is similar in size to a mantel clock, and bits of wood found on the fragments suggest it was housed in a wooden case. Using a wind-up dial system it tracked the celestial time of the Sun, Moon, and five planets, along with a calendar, the phase of the Moon, and the timing of eclipses. It could predict these events decades in advance. Up to 42 different events in time could be tracked using this mechanism.
Amazingly enough, it is said by the team investigating this find that the Antikythera Mechanism could follow the planetary motion so accurately it was within one degree over 500 years!
Why is this so mysterious? Nothing has been found or is known to be created within 1000 years that is this sophisticated. How did the Greeks create such a tool this advanced? Some say Aliens!
It is still unknown who actually used this tool, and many answers may still be hiding away in the shipwreck at the bottom of the ocean. There are constantly new finds being bought to light but this particular location has been proving challenging with depths and remote location.
Looking forward to updated discoveries to shed more light on these amazing artifacts.
