Difference between revisions of "Antikythera mechanism"
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[[File:Antikythera mechanism.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The Antikythera mechanism]] | [[File:Antikythera mechanism.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The Antikythera mechanism]] | ||
| − | The '''Antikythera mechanism''' | + | The '''Antikythera mechanism''' was recovered from an ancient shipwreck off the [[Greece|Greek]] island of Antikythera in 1900. Thought to be over 2,000 years old, [[gamma ray]] analysis has revealed an intricate [[astronomy|astronomical]] device utilising "calibrated differential gears"<ref>http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/rrice/usna_pap.html</ref> and capable of predicting the movements of the [[sun]] and [[moon]]. Remarkably, it pre-dates instruments of similar complexity by around a thousand years. |
==History== | ==History== | ||
| − | + | Diving for [[sponge]]s and black [[coral]] at a depth of 140ft, Elias Stadiatos reported disturbing visions of "dead, naked women".<ref>http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/rrice/usna_pap.html</ref> Subsequent dives discovered a treasure trove of ancient [[marble]] statues. The Greek [[government]] was informed of the find and many artefacts were recovered from the wreck the following year. The haul included [[statue]]s, jewelry, and what appeared to be several pieces of corroded [[bronze]] gears. These gears were filed away in the depths of the [[Athens]] Museum, whilst the rest of the artefacts were placed on display. | |
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==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 19:55, February 23, 2011
The Antikythera mechanism was recovered from an ancient shipwreck off the Greek island of Antikythera in 1900. Thought to be over 2,000 years old, gamma ray analysis has revealed an intricate astronomical device utilising "calibrated differential gears"[1] and capable of predicting the movements of the sun and moon. Remarkably, it pre-dates instruments of similar complexity by around a thousand years.
History
Diving for sponges and black coral at a depth of 140ft, Elias Stadiatos reported disturbing visions of "dead, naked women".[2] Subsequent dives discovered a treasure trove of ancient marble statues. The Greek government was informed of the find and many artefacts were recovered from the wreck the following year. The haul included statues, jewelry, and what appeared to be several pieces of corroded bronze gears. These gears were filed away in the depths of the Athens Museum, whilst the rest of the artefacts were placed on display.