The Antikythera Mechanism

In 1901 divers working off the isle of Antikythera found the remains of a clocklike mechanism 2,000 years old. The mechanism now appears to have been a device for calculating the motions of stars and planets. The three main fragments of the Antikythera Mechanism are on display at the Bronze Collection of the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. The Mechanism has been kept within the Museum collections since its discovery in 1901. Other bronze artefacts from the Antikythera wreck are also on display within the same room, while statues and other objects from the wreck (like magnificent glassware) can be admired in other rooms and the atrium.

Professor Michael Edmunds of Cardiff University who led a recent study of the mechanism said: "This device is just extraordinary, the only thing of its kind. The design is beautiful, the astronomy is exactly right. The way the mechanics are designed just makes your jaw drop. Whoever has done this has done it extremely carefully...in terms of historic and scarcity value, I have to regard this mechanism as being more valuable than the Mona Lisa."

As one of the world's oldest known geared devices, it has puzzled and intrigued historians of science and technology since its discovery. A number of individuals and groups have been instrumental in advancing the knowledge and understanding of the mechanism including: Derek J. de Solla Price (with Charalampos Karakalos); Allan George Bromley (with Frank Percival, Michael Wright and Bernard Gardner); Michael Wright and The Antikythera Mechanism Research Project (AMRP).

The magic of the web brings the mechanism into our homes. For those who are numerate The American Mathematical Society has some interesting notes if you are so inclined.

Those of a high tech and practical frame of mind can visit Bob Warfield's site for CNC machinists and have a go at making one themselves Notes on Constructing an Orrery / Antikythera Mechanism

The fun doesnt stop there. Oh no, just search YouTube for The Antikythera Mechanism and you will see animations and working models galore...