Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

mahatmakanejeeves

(56,897 posts)
Wed May 17, 2017, 04:08 PM May 2017

Happy 115th anniversary of the discovery of the Antikythera mechanism

Per today's Google doodle.

Antikythera mechanism

The Antikythera mechanism ... is an ancient Greek analogue computer and orrery used to predict astronomical positions and eclipses for calendrical and astrological purposes. It could also track the four-year cycle of athletic games which was similar, but not identical, to an Olympiad, the cycle of the ancient Olympic Games.
....

The artefact was recovered on May 17th 1902 from the Antikythera shipwreck off the Greek island of Antikythera, which in antiquity was known as Aigila. Believed to have been designed and constructed by Greek scientists, the instrument has been variously dated to about 87 BC, or between 150 and 100 BC,[5] or in 205 BC, or within a generation before the date of the shipwreck (in about 150 BC).
4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Happy 115th anniversary of the discovery of the Antikythera mechanism (Original Post) mahatmakanejeeves May 2017 OP
The Antikythera is amazing! senegal1 May 2017 #1
Oh no! zanana1 May 2017 #2
Here's a General Discussion thread: hunter May 2017 #3
Oh, I hadn't seen that. mahatmakanejeeves May 2017 #4

mahatmakanejeeves

(56,897 posts)
4. Oh, I hadn't seen that.
Thu May 18, 2017, 10:29 AM
May 2017

The mechanism is a frequent flyer at DU. Over the years, there have been several discussions of it.

That was one sharp person back there in 100 B.C. who put that together.

Thanks.

Latest Discussions»The DU Lounge»Happy 115th anniversary o...