Antikythera mechanism
The Antikythera mechanism is an mechanical calculator. It is also described as the first
mechanical computer. It was discovered in 1901 in a shipwreck off the coast of Antikythera,
Greece. A number of gears worked together, much like they do in a mechanical clock. Using a
model, it was found that the device could be use to show the motions of the sun, the moon
and probably some of the planets. This makes it possible to use the device as a calendar.
There were three big dials, and three small ones. Used as a calendar the main functions
were:
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A solar calendar showing days and months, as well as the babylonian zodiac
A Lunisolar calendar showing the months
A calendar, showing Eclipse cycles, of past and future eclipses of the sun and the
moon
A calendar, showing the years in which there would be panhelllenic games (or
Olympics)
By Elizabeth from
GREECE