Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Ancient Device Gives Up Its Secrets

Greek calculating machine tracked eclipses, Olympics

By Dustin Lushing,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 30, 2008 5:40 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – The world's oldest calculating machine was used as a calendar that tracked eclipses and marked Olympic Games, the Telegraph reports. Scientists say the ancient Greek "Antikythera Mechanism," a 2,100-year-old bronze gadget discovered in 1900, marked the 4-year cycle of Games that climaxed with the Olympics—"which says more about the central cultural importance of the Games than about their advanced technology," one expert said.

Using 3D technology, researchers at Durham and Athens University deciphered the inscriptions inside the device, which indicated months and ancient Olympiads. "It tells us of a revolution in human thought in ancient Greece—the earliest known example of a machine for making calculations, of a machine for predicting the future," one expert said.

This handout picture shows parts of the Antikythera Mechanism.
This handout picture shows parts of the Antikythera Mechanism.   (Getty Images)
The Antikythera Mechanism is seen in this undated file photo.
The Antikythera Mechanism is seen in this undated file photo.   (NASA)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Video of what the machine shows
Telegraph (UK)

 
Antikythera • Greece • scientists • archaeologist • calculating machine

More Newser Stories

First Computer May Be 2100 Years Old
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne