Decoding the Heavens: The Antikythera Mechanism by Jo Marchant

Jo Marchant is an award-winning science journalist and author of several popular science books including Decoding the Heavens: Solving the mystery of the world’s first computer and the New York Times bestseller Cure: A journey into the science of mind over body (both shortlisted for the Royal Society science books prize). She has a PhD in genetics, and has worked as a senior editor at New Scientist and at Nature.

In 1901, sponge divers in the Mediterranean recovered several corroded pieces of bronze from an ancient shipwreck near the Greek island of Antikythera. Scholars soon noticed inscriptions on their surfaces, as well as traces of gearwheels, dials and pointers. These fragments were the remains of a mysterious and sophisticated device, dubbed the “Antikythera mechanism”. It turns out to be one of the most impressive items that survives from the ancient world and unique in the historical record, an unexpected treasure that has proved the ancient Greeks were capable of far more than we ever thought, and changed ideas about the origins of our own machines. In this lecture, I’ll tell the story of the mechanism’s discovery and the century-long race to decipher its workings; discuss what it means for the history of technology; and reveal the most recent insights into who built it and why.

[HeardFromMeFirst]

Absolutely fascinating. ..why, at 66 years of age, have I learned so much more over the last ten years, than I ever did at school....so much to know, and such little time to know it....Thank you Jo Marchant.

[lukemaas]

What a wonderful educator. Every word conveyed meaning. She built her presentation logically and in a way that kept everyone interested.

[thetessellater]

Were there more complex and advanced societies before the ancient Greeks that we do not know of as yet.
What a feat, to be able to speak for an hour in such a logical lecture without notes.
Jo Marchant is clearly really enthused by her topic. Brilliant !

[richln]

I love this lady's enthusiasm for her astounding artefact and her desire to communicate its importance in helping understand the distant past and the brilliance of some of the people who skulked about there.

[sibu]

What strikes me is that she doesn't wonder about the technology of making the device. This is for me the biggest thing about it. Ok, you can create theories, you can draw them down but the greatest thing about the Antikithera mechanism is the high level of technology that existed 2000 years ago that made it possible to produce it with such precision and accuracy.

[j.jwhitty]

I first came across The Antikythera Mechanism in a science magazine about 40 years ago and have ever since been convinced that it was a fake and am happily surprised to have had my mind changed by this well presented lecture.

[authormattchatelain]

This was an excellent documentary talk about the Antikythera mechanism. I had rushes down my back when she led us through the centuries, showing us how it had led to clocks and watch mechanisms. Amazing.

[bobpospick]

By far the best explanation of the Antikythera Mechanism, both from an historic and technical perspective. Thanks!

[danconser]

Of all those discussion this artifact, I think Jo gives the best overview to the public, capturing the human experience of the discovery process & putting the find in the proper perspective. Great Job!, Jo!

[josephdiprospero]

Ms Marchant combines in-depth knowledge with excellent public speaking skills. Fascinating.

[summerWTFE]

Probably the best presentation I’ve seen on the device. Extremely interesting. I wonder where the forerunners to this thing may lie. As she says, it seems unlikely that this was the first of its kind.

[andruwxx]

I could listen to her talk forever. This is fascinating.

[DaniPrays]

Great presentation!
One should not underestimate the ancient man. Displaced into modern times, he or she could do wonders equally. Favorable circumstances and curiosity are what is needed to take the next step or leap.

[rgoodwinau]

An breathtaking presentation. Thank you Jo. I've tracked the development of understanding on the Antikythera Mechanism for decades now, however the development of understanding in the past five years has been rapid, and has lead us to a much deeper appreciation of its sophistication.

[jpkatz]

Yaks, no notes, compleatly coherent complexity, wonderfully energetic, delightfuly charming. Good God, what a mind and spirit that holds all of this, and how much more!?

[pjchris]

A polished and extremely informative presentation on this device and it's possible contributions to our development. Where were the lecturers like this when I was in college? Well done that woman.

[joshuarosen]

That was a beautifully presented, fascinating lecture. Thank you, Darwin College and especially Jo Marchant. You have a real talent for communication.

[vasilisiatropoulos]

Good work Mrs Marchant. Covering topics in a way that even non-experts can comprehend, requires
the sort of talent that you certainly have.

[timfronimos]

What a wonderful lecture! The speaker really did a great job.

I studied Celestial Navigation while in the US Navy and have been fascinated by astronomy etc
for over 30 years now.
Our lecturer has a wonderful stage presences in that she doesn't dominate the subject matter.
Strong voice and quite a handsome woman too. Sorry. I just wanted to say that last bit.

[MrBrianms]

Thanks for the lecture about ANTIKYTHERA MECHANISM. It looks like it could break out into a series of lectures spread out as a course. Brilliant.