By: Sammy Wang
In 1900, a group of Greek divers from the eastern Mediterranean island of Symi accidentally came across a shipwreck full of Greek treasures. This discovery led to one of the biggest finds in archeological history.
Not all treasure comes from pretty things, as this find was merely hidden in plain sight. First, it was regarded as just a lump, but that changed months later. That lump broke apart at the National Archeological Museum, and revealed bronze and gear wheels.
This machine came to be known as the Antikythera mechanism. Many predict that the machine was built around the early first century BC or late second century BC. Others say it may be as old as the shipwreck it was discovered in which dates from 60 to 70 B.C.E.
After dedicating much time to the mystery, researches were able to conclude that, researchers were able to come to the conclusion that this machine was used to calculate and show information about space.
Tony Freeth, part of a University College London (UCL) Antikythera Research Team said, “We know the Greeks of that era were accomplished naked-eye astronomers. They viewed the night sky from a geocentric perspective…the planets orbit the sun—not, as the ancient Greeks believed, Earth.”
Although Greeks didn’t come to the right conclusion of the Sun being the center of the solar system, astronomy played a big role in their culture. This can be further proven with their gods and goddesses; for example, the gas giant, Uranus, was named after a Greek king of the gods.
Although researchers don’t know the full limits of the Antikythera machine, each new discovery brings them a step closer to understanding the technological advancements of Ancient Greek civilization.
Sources:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/an-ancient-greek-astronomical-calculation-machine-reveals-new-secrets/
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Antikythera-mechanism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antikythera_mechanism#Mechanics
https://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/ask/196-How-did-the-planets-get-their-names-