What is the Antikythera mechanism?
Q: What is the Antikythera mechanism?
A: The Antikythera mechanism is an Ancient Greek mechanical calculator and analogue computer, used as a calendar to predict astronomical positions, eclipses, the motions of the sun, moon and planets.
Q: Where was it discovered?
A: The device was discovered in 1902 in a shipwreck off the coast of Antikythera, Greece.
Q: What were its main functions when used as a calendar?
A: When used as a calendar, the main functions of the Antikythera mechanism were to show days and months on a solar calendar; lunisolar months; eclipse cycles for past and future eclipses of the sun and moon; and years in which there would be panhellenic games (or Olympics).
Q: How old is it estimated to be?
A: Coins found on the wreck suggest that it sunk between 70 BC and 60 BC.
Q: How complex is this device compared to other devices from antiquity?
A: The Antikythera mechanism is considered to be one of most complex devices known from antiquity. It wasn't until 14th century that people again had knowledge necessary to build similar devices.
Q: How many gears does it have?
A: There are 35 gears in total, with seven displays. However some parts have not survived intact or at all due to being underwater for roughly 2000 years or shortly after discovery.
Q: What evidence suggests that this device could calculate star movements even though none of those parts have been found?
A: There are many hints suggesting that this device could also calculate star movements even though none of those parts have been found - such as scales that are incomplete but still present on the device.
