The Antikythera computer - from over 2,000 years ago
The mechanism, produced around 60BC, was used to predict and calculate lunar and solar eclipses on the basis of Babylonian arithmetic-progression cycles, according to the team's report. The mechanism also calculates lunar positions based on theories by the famous Greek astronomer Hipparchos for deciphering the Moon's elliptical orbit.
It also does calculations - add, subtract, multiply,
divide - and so is the oldest known mechanical
calculator
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(For additional "raw" images see
http://www.hpl.hp.com/research/ptm/antikythera_mechanism/index.html
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| This image shows the front panel of the
computer reconstructed by scientists. Attachments are
present for other devices, but not shown. Most likely,
there were additional gizmos connected to the front
panel. Note the "mass produced" feel of this device - it
implies that the Greek/Roman world had factories capable
of producing high-tolerance machinery. |
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