The mysterious Antikythera mechanism was discovered around 100 years ago from the Greek island of Antikythera where scientists believe that this could be considered as the first analog computer dating back to 2,000 years old, as researchers decipher its true purpose.

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After past research and studies, scientists now reveal the true nature of this machine, which is confirmed to be the oldest mechanical computer ever to be recovered. Ancient astronomers used this mechanism that served astrological maps which appears to possess numerous brass gears inside a wooden cabinet.

According to history of ancient science professor, Alexander Jones from New York University, this is not a research tool where astronomers used to carry out computations or even churn out astrological predictions, but ancient philosophers used this as a teaching tool to explain the cosmos and the role of humans in the universe.

He adds how this machine served as astronomical textbook that connected the sky's movements along with the planets and stars during a time when Greeks began to study their environment.

Currently the device is made up of 82 crucial parts where some of them possess tiny texts the size of about 1.2 millimeters, that are intricately inscribed on the pieces. To date, scientists have decoded some 3,500 characters from this ancient text that were once a mystery to archaeologists. Scientists decided that this text was some sort of user manual for this ancient computer.

Jones explains, these texts are apparently in ancient Greek which were first described as static on the radio. This has been very challenging to decipher as this machine originates from a period where Greek astronomy has not yet been known including this kind of technology, where these small texts are a big step in revealing the true nature of this device.

TagsAntikythera Mechanism, Antikythera, oldest computer in the world, world's first computer