Language/Modern-greek-1453/Culture/Antikythera-mechanism

The Antikythera Mechanism

Hello Greek learners, 😊

In this lesson, you will learn some interesting information about an extraordinary mechanism, considered by many specialists as "the first analog computer of humanity".

Happy learning!

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containing nearly 82 fragments and garnished with numerous Greek inscriptions.

Its bronze mechanism is made up of several dozen cogwheels allowing to calculate astronomical positions including eclipses.

Ancient Greece possessed knowledge in Mathematics and Astrophysics and was familiar with the signs of the Zodiac as well as the mechanical movements of the Moon.

So in 1900, "the Antikythera Machine" also called "the Antikythera Mechanism", the first draft of a computer supposed to also predict the Olympic Games, was discovered in the wreckage of a ship of Roman trade by local sponge fishermen, near the island of Anticythera between the Peloponnese and the island of Crete.

The site has been the subject of numerous underwater excavations, including that of the Cousteau team in 1976.

Thanks to the coins found in the wreck, one can date the shipwreck in 86 BC. AD.

This discovery caused astonishment among the international community of ancient experts.

As a tribute, a luxury watch manufacturer (Hublot) decided to miniaturize to the dimensions of a wristwatch the whole of the Antique Mechanism.

A first watch is on display at the Museum of Athens and a second watch at the Museum of Arts and Crafts in Paris (limited edition of 4 pieces).

The Antikythera Machine is the oldest known gear mechanism to date.

This mechanism dating back to Antiquity still has many secrets to reveal.

Its fragments are kept at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.

Author

➡ Marianthi

• Ευγενική χορηγία που στοχεύει να βοηθήσει μαθητές ή μη, απανταχού της Γης, που επιδίδονται στην εκμάθηση της ελληνικής γλώσσας!
• Contribution bénévole visant à aider les personnes, partout dans le monde, qui sont engagées dans l'apprentissage de la langue grecque !
• Voluntary contribution aimed at helping people, all over the world, who are committed to learning the Greek language! 

        

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