Exhibit 0.5
~100BCEThe Antikythera Mechanism
Recovered from a shipwreck in 1901 and dated to roughly the second to first century BCE, the mechanism used dozens of gears to model the positions of the Sun and Moon and predict eclipses. It is often described as the first analogue computer. The original is held by the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.
Why it is in the museum
This room shows that the desire for self-moving machines, logical rules and artificial beings is far older than the electronic computer.
What supports this exhibit
Archaeological object and scientific study
The function, dating and mechanical complexity of the Antikythera Mechanism.
Main source: Freeth, T. et al. (2006), Nature 444, 587–591.
What to keep in mind: Strongly documented archaeological object.
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