A paper in a recent issue of the journal Nature (see the Nature News Report) reports an x-ray imaging study of the ~2100 year-old bronze Antikythera Mechanism used as an astronomical calendar.
What is remarkable is not only the fact that this is the oldest/most complex geared mechanism known (over 30 intricate bronze gears) – but that nothing as complex is known to exist for at least another 1000 years.
Also, it is quite interesting that such a sophisticated technology should just vanish. Why didn’t a civilization advanced enough to create such a device continue on, advancing in technology? Why did it just stagnate for 1000 years, and we don’t see another example of such tech until the Middle Ages in Europe?
It was found in a shipwreck off the coast of Greece, and is in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. It had been underwater for over 2000 years, so its condition is remarkable. The artifact is basically priceless, so it wasn’t allowed to leave the museum. So, over 12 tons of x-ray equipment were transported to Athens from the UK to image the device.
Back dials
Front dials
Read the Nature News report for a great background story. Also see the Antikythera Mechanism Research Project page for more info.
