Working Antikythera Model - Neatorama

[YouTube - Link]

I'm sure most of you know at least something about the mysterious Antikythera Mechanism that was found at the bottom of the sea in 1901 near the island of Antikythera (from where the device took its name) and is estimated to have been built between 150-100 BC by an unknown builder. Famed for its mysterious and significantly advanced gear mechanism and complex build the Antikythera Mechanism was eventually found to be a computing calender and clock of sorts for the planets. Which may have been useful to sailors as would be evidenced by why the device was found among the carcass of a sunken ship.

Fast forward to the modern age and we find curator Michael Wright with the first fully functional working model of the Antikythera Mechanism in the World. To imagine that such advanced and complex machines were being built so long ago has fascinated and helped reshape ancient history and knowledge. The mystery concerning this device has increased as archaeologists and scientists wonder why they have only found this sole machine in the past century and why there is no recorded information regarding its creator.

That is so cool.

Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)

About time! I loved the computer animation of the Antikythera Mechanism that was posted here (or on BoingBoing) a few months back, and thought it would be great if someone actually were to build a working replica. Are there any plans to release a model kit? Or even schematics for the DIY-types?

Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)

Nuh uh! Johhny cat, THAT IS EXTREEMLY COOl!!!! :0

Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)

I was somehow disapointed when they discovered that it was "only" for atronomy ;)

Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)

Nuh uh-uh! liphttam1, that is SO EXTREMELY COOL...so much coolness it will turn vodka to ice.

Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)

nice! only thing is: i fail to grasp the importance of an (for that time) expensive eclips predictor on board ships.

Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)

Well K!P, it was probably on a ship because it was being transported somewhere.

Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)

dunno, it seems handy to know the moon stands on a ship) (higwater is related to that) maybe an eclips also implies something nautical i dont know off.

Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)

now that's super NEAT (o-rama)! i just read about this over at cracked.com this morning and i was looking around the internets for something just like this - ie a working model. thanks for entertaining me and enlightening me every single day.

Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)

My honest guess regarding this device that perhaps it could have been used for religious or ceremonial purposes. Nothing says, "I am a God!" to the masses then by pointing at the sky and having an eclipse occur. :) But then again I do have a vivid imagination.

Glad to see so many of you folks are enjoying this. Remember there are stranger things out there that science has yet to explain. ;) *eerie music*

Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)

Amazing to see a working model... Makes you wonder how many other techological marvels of the ancients have disappeared because they were melted down just for the metal value.

Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)

it's there somewhere a DIY Antikitera Astronomical Clock ?

In "The Internet's" perhaps?. ...=D

Awesome

Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)

Login to comment.

Click here to access all of this post's 12 comments

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.