The famous astronomical computer discovered in 1900 in an ancient shipwreck, the Antikythera Mechanism, is probably even more ancient than previously thought.
The shipwreck is believed to have occurred in the first century BC (between 85 and 60 BC), while the mechanism is estimated to have been constructed between 100 and 150 BC. A new scientific study, by an Argentine and an American researcher, places the beginning of the mechanism's calendar in 205 BC, just seven years after Archimedes' death.
Science historian Cristian Carman of the National University of Quilmes in Argentina and physicist James Evans of the University of Puget Sound in Washington concluded that the initial dating of the eras from the Mechanism's calendar is 50 to 100 years earlier than scientists had previously estimated.
The enigmatic mechanism found in the waters of the Aegean Sea is considered a technological marvel for its time and many scientists describe it as the oldest analog computer in the world..
Analog technology devices did not appear until at least 1,000 years later. The mechanism, among other things, accurately predicts lunar and solar eclipses, as well as the dates of the Olympic Games.
The two researchers estimate that the prediction of eclipses by the mechanism is based on Babylonian numerical methods that the ancient Greeks had borrowed.
Other scientists have linked the mechanism to the famous mathematician and inventor Archimedes, who died in 212 BC. In 2008 a research team, analyzing the inscriptions found on the mechanism, estimated that it was built in Corinth or in Syracuse, where Archimedes lived.
The specialist in the history of ancient mathematics, Alexander Jones of New York University, stated, however, that the most likely region of manufacture of the mechanism is Rhodes.
One of the two researchers, Dr. Evans, appeared cautious about the identity of the creator of the remarkable device. «We know so few things about ancient Greek astronomy. Only small fragments of works have survived. It would probably be safer not to try to attribute the mechanism to any specific famous person», as he said.
In recent years, international interest has grown in explaining the mystery of the Antikythera Mechanism, with new books being added to the existing ones, as well as ever better computational simulations, and even a model of it made from “Lego”.
A large number of archaeologists, historians, astronomers, mathematicians and other researchers are striving to illuminate the enigma.
At the same time, a new Greek-American scientific diving mission with state-of-the-art equipment was recently carried out in the Antikythera Sea, at the site of the shipwreck, in the hope of discovering other finds. The mission, which was interrupted prematurely due to bad weather, will continue next year.
Source: ΑΠΕ – ΜΠΕ
Photos: Eurokinissi
Source: newsit.gr
