The Antikythera Mechanism

The Antikythera Mechanism, known as the "World's First Computer" as it was created in the second century BC, will be presented in Beijing through the latest scientific research and the history of this amazing creation of the ancient Greek technology.

During the 28th General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union, which will be held from 20 until 31 August 2012 in Beijing, an effigy of the Antikythera Mechanism will be displayed at the Greek exhibition center, along with a watch that contains the functions and some of the inscriptions of the Mechanism on a smaller scale.

Members of the Greek National Research Foundation will participate in this international astronomical event after the invitation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and they will have the opportunity to show to the Chinese researchers and citizens the story of the "World's First Computer".

The Antikythera Mechanism

The Antikythera Mechanism is the earliest preserved portable astronomical calculator, discovered in an ancient shipwreck, off the Greek islet of Antikythera.

It has gears, scales and dials. The inscriptions on its surface refer to astronomical and calendar calculations, while it contains instructions of use.

It displayed the positions of Sun, the Moon and most probably the five planets known in antiquity.

It was used to predict solar and lunar eclipses, it kept an accurate calendar of many years and displayed even the dates of the ancient Olympic Games.