Recently I found an article linked from iflscience on my Facebook feed saying that an ancient computer had been found in a shipwreck. After reading this article I learned that this ancient computer was name the Antikythera Mechanism and was probably traveling with an important woman who was traveling to Rome to be married. This, along with the other valuables were probably destined to be a wedding present.
This computer was made out of bronze. It is very thin, mounted in a wooden frame, with a couple thousand characters inscribed in it. It was thought to have the ability to predict the movement of constellations. Through X-rays, scientist have discovered there are over 30 gears. This is all very impressive considering it was estimated to have been created around 87 B.C.
I find it amazing how civilizations from thousands of years ago had such knowledge of constellations and mathematics. They are more were more advanced than we often give them credit for.
ReplyDeleteYeah, that's neat. This isn't on the level of "computer" that Charles Babbage's designs in the 1800s were, but this is a lot older, and it sounds very impressive for the time!
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