RECONSTRUCTING THE ANTIKYTHERA MECHANISM
These are the remains of the Antikythera Mechanism – a sophisticated astronomical calculator built in ancient Greece over 2,000 years ago and found by chance in a shipwreck in the Mediterranean Sea.
The Mechanism was a scientific marvel - a miniature model of the Cosmos which mirrored the movements of the solar system. It was the first analog computer ever created and the oldest scientific instrument in the world, by a very long way.
Many different models of the Mechanism have been created in the past, but none work as the Hellenistic Greek astronomers and engineers clearly intended back in 150 BC. Our reconstruction does.
We have followed their original design, mathematics and astronomical models in recreating a working version in modern materials which is calibrated to the solar system today. Our reconstruction accurately calculates the positions of the Sun, Moon and five planets at any time in the past, present or future.
The secrets of the Mechanism were known to very few people in antiquity - such instruments were extremely rare and their workings were hidden inside a wooden box. Our reconstruction is available as a kit, and designed to be fully open and visible. In building the kit you gain a deep appreciation of the incredible intricacies of the Mechanism and the challenges the craftsmen faced in producing it.
“I have received the mechanism in very good shape and have played around with it for a while. I am really happy with it and your reconstruction is amazing! I think you have done the best job in recreating this wonderful machine!”
TE New Hampshire