[Archaeology] Everyone say "Olympic Antikythera Device!"

[roseembolism]

When I first saw a picture of the Antikythera Device 30 years ago, it was actually part of a book about ancient astronauts.  That was actually a common reaction of puzzlement to a device of remarkable sophistication and mysterious purpose, which challenged our common view of pre-industrial civilizations.  However, in the last few years, as technology has improved, we've learned more about this remarkable device, using scanning X-rays and computer reconstructions.  And now, just in time for the Olympics, we have some interesting information about the Antikythera device- it actually may have helped predict eclipses and the Olympic cycle.  What's interesting is that while not at all taking away from the marvel of the technology, we've been able to relate it to the Astronomical theories of the day, such as those of the Greek astronomers Geminos, and Aristotle.  It may be a brilliant piece of work, but it is not alien to the culture at the time.

So, if you want a quick summary of the research (along with pictures of a reconstructed outside, here's a Los Angeles Times article, and here's a summary from Nature magazine.  Finally for the real fun, here's a full Nature article, concerning the "instruction manual" and other glyphs that allowed the archaeologists to piece together the multiple purposes of this calculator.

There's a lot of value to be extracted from this device, and not only from confirming that the Greeks did indeed put their knowledge to practical use.  It's also a reminder that while the ancients may have lacked modern industry, they were equally, if not more ingenious and sophisticated as we are.  It reminds us that entire technologies may be lost, even for centuries; in fact we may not even know about some lost technologies.  That's a sobering thought, because it makes me wonder what miracles of the modern day may be lost, to be someday marveled over by our descendants.

Comments

[etoilenoir959.livejournal.com]

VERY interesting.

[cibaniff.livejournal.com]

You were meant to blog. It has inspired me to start my own blog on barrie dentist

[tejuparr.livejournal.com]

That is really helpful. It provided me a number of ideas and I'll be placing them on my web site eventually. I'm bookmarking your blog and I'll be back. Thanks again!

[georgiqyf.livejournal.com]

The aims of acne treatment are to prevent new spots forming, to improve on acne treatment already present, and to prevent scarrings.