Beyond History - Ancient Computers

Salutations my Ninjas.

Check it out, ancient computers!

Yup, mind blown.

The Antikythera mechanism is an ancient mechanical computer that was created to calculate astronomical positions.

It was recovered in 1900–1901 from the Antikythera wreck, hence its name.

Crazy thing is, its significance and complexity were not really understood until years later.

It’s construction has been dated to the early 1st century BCE. Technological artifacts of similar complexity and workmanship did not reappear until the 14th century, when mechanical astronomical clocks were built in Europe (at least, that we know of).

The picture at the bottom is a modern reconstruction of the device. Having the knowledge to construct such a complex device at a time when traditional historians say was not possible is intriguing to say the least, but having the foresight to build a device to track the stars suggests our ancestors had an even greater understanding of humankind’s place in the universe.

Keep digging, my Ninjas. May peace be your journey.