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The 000-Year-Old Computer and Its Century-Long Mystery

Cole Powell

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Published in Decoding The Heavens: A 2 000 Year Old Computer And The Century Long Search To Discover Its Secrets

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The Antikythera Mechanism Is An Ancient Greek Device That Is Believed To Have Been Able To Calculate The Positions Of The Stars And Planets, The Movements Of The Moon, And Even Predict Solar Eclipses. Decoding The Heavens: A 2 000 Year Old Computer And The Century Long Search To Discover Its Secrets

Decoding the Heavens: A 2,000-Year-Old Computer -- and the Century-Long Search to Discover Its Secrets

by Robert Chu

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2055 KB
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Print length	:	337 pages

For nearly a century, scientists have been baffled by the Antikythera Mechanism. This ancient Greek device, discovered in 1901, is believed to have been able to calculate the positions of the stars and planets, the movements of the moon, and even predict solar eclipses. But how did this complex device work, and who created it?

In this engrossing book, author Jo Marchant takes us on a journey to unravel the secrets of this enigmatic machine, and to explore the scientific and cultural implications of its discovery. With vivid prose and meticulous research, Marchant brings to life the world of ancient Greece, where the Antikythera Mechanism was conceived, and follows the trail of its rediscovery and decipherment in the 20th century. Along the way, she introduces us to the brilliant scientists and scholars who have dedicated their lives to unlocking the secrets of this ancient wonder.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of science, technology, and the enduring human quest for knowledge.

The Discovery of the Antikythera Mechanism

The Antikythera Mechanism was discovered in 1901 by a group of sponge divers off the coast of the Greek island of Antikythera. The divers were searching for sponges when they came across a shipwreck, and among the wreckage they found a number of bronze fragments. These fragments were later identified as parts of a complex device, which was eventually named the Antikythera Mechanism.

The Antikythera Mechanism is made up of a series of interlocking gears and dials, and it is believed to have been able to calculate the positions of the stars and planets, the movements of the moon, and even predict solar eclipses. The device is thought to have been used by astronomers to create calendars and to track the movements of celestial bodies.

The Decipherment of the Antikythera Mechanism

For many years, the Antikythera Mechanism was a mystery to scientists. They could not understand how it worked, and they did not know who had created it. However, in the 1950s, a group of scientists led by Derek de Solla Price began to decipher the device. Price and his team used X-rays and other techniques to study the mechanism, and they eventually figured out how it worked.

Price's research revealed that the Antikythera Mechanism was a remarkably complex device. It was capable of performing a wide range of astronomical calculations, and it was far more sophisticated than any other known ancient device.

The Significance of the Antikythera Mechanism

The Antikythera Mechanism is a significant discovery because it provides evidence that the ancient Greeks had a sophisticated understanding of astronomy. The device is also a testament to the ingenuity of ancient engineers. The Antikythera Mechanism is a reminder that the ancient Greeks were capable of great scientific and technological achievements.

The Antikythera Mechanism is now on display in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, Greece. It is one of the most popular exhibits in the museum, and it continues to fascinate scientists and historians alike.

The Antikythera Mechanism is a remarkable artifact that has shed light on the scientific and technological achievements of the ancient Greeks. The device is a testament to the ingenuity of ancient engineers, and it is a reminder that the ancient Greeks were capable of great things.

The Antikythera Mechanism is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of science, technology, or the ancient world.

Decoding the Heavens: A 2,000-Year-Old Computer -- and the Century-Long Search to Discover Its Secrets

by Robert Chu

4.5 out of 5