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Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Photo: Ancient Greek Computer's Inner Workings Deciphered


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New imaging techniques have helped scientists reconstruct the inner workings of the mysterious Antikythera mechanism—one of the world's oldest computers. A diagram of the ancient Greek astronomical calculator's front gears, for example, is seen here.

The new research confirms the level of sophistication of the breadbox-size device's cogs and gears (one of which is seen inset), which resemble parts used more than a thousand years later.

Images copyright of the Antikythera Mechanism Research Project