Title | The Antikythera Mechanism and astronomical knowledge: users and benefits |
Publication Type | Conference Paper |
Year of Publication | 2021 |
Authors | Bitsakis, Yanis, and Jones Alexander |
Corporate Author | vonMeller, Harald, Reichenberger, Alfred, and Risch, Roberto |
Conference Name | Zeit ist Macht. Wer macht Zeit? - Time is power. Who makes time? |
Publisher | Landesamt f. Denkmalpflege u. Archäologie Sachsen-Anhalt |
Conference Location | Halle (Saale), Germany |
ISBN Number | 978-3-948618-22-3 |
Abstract | The Antikythera Mechanism, often described as »the world’s first computer«, is a unique mechanical device, part of the luxury cargo of a ship that sank near the island of Antikythera. From the moment it was identified as an astronomical device, in 1902, there were controversies among specialists about its nature and functions. During the last decades, a consensus reconstruction has been established which can help to answer other questions. Here, we do not discuss the question of its creator, nor the date and place of its creation, but focus on its use and users: was it an educational or demonstration tool? Could it have been used for astrological purposes? What benefits did it confer on its owner and user? |
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