What Did the Real Antikythera Mechanism Do And Who Actually Made It?

In 2023’s Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, the latest entry in the iconic adventure film series, everyone’s favourite swashbuckling archaeologist/grave robber hunts after the titular dial, a mechanism invented by Ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes to predict the appearance of fissures in time, allowing the user to travel between the present and the past…because, sure, why not? But while this fantastical plot element might sound like the product of a particularly drunken session of antiquities-themed Mad Libs, amazingly, it is actually based on a real-life artifact called the Antikythera Mechanism, funny enough. Dating from the 1st century B.C.E, this incredibly sophisticated assembly of bronze gears has baffled archaeologists for over a century, predating the earliest known mechanisms of its kind by more than a millennium. Only in recent years has its true function been determined, revealed to be an ancient form of analogue computer - the oldest on record. This is the story of the most incredible example of ancient mechanical and mathematical genius ever discovered. So let’s dive into it, shall we?

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[-xirx-]

I've never come across such a clear and comprehensive breakdown of this scientific marvel, a marvel which has always fascinated me. Thank you!

[LadyValkyri]

Thank you for all of the thoughtful and extensive research done in order to bring us a glimpse into the fascinating history & mystery of this amazing mechanism. I'm so glad you tackled it. Daven & team, excellent work! Hugs

[reddog-exdx]

WOW! This mechanism continues to amaze me! On a side note, what if the Greeks had come up with a spring. Not only would the Antikythera Mechanism have been able to continue on it's own, they could have invented clocks that used gears instead of reliying on water clocks and sun dials.

[danidavis]

That was the best thing I've watched on the tube in a very long time. Well done, sir. I've been fascinated with this object since I was a kid in the 70s, and first heard about it from history teacher. As someone mentioned below, this is the most comprehensive video treatise I have seen on the subject. Thank you!

[iTeerRex]

Imagine the centuries of meticulous observation and innovations before the design of this final mechanism.

[MusicalRaichu]

Allan Bromley was one of my university lecturers. My contribution to his research on the mechanism was to translate a letter he received from Greece about his itinerary.

[michaelpipkin]

This is definitely the best video on the Greek gearbox so far.

[Dr_Do-Little]

To learn more about the Antikythera mechanism and especially how it could had been made. I strongly suggest @Clickspring series. He also have a "side playlist" on building the tools to make the mechanism.

[emerje]

I can only imagine what the world would be like today if if this didn't end up at the bottom of the ocean. Maybe a war or some religious zealot would have seen it destroyed later, but maybe it would have been replicated, refined and expanded on, it could have given berth to technologies that we would now consider ahead of their time like pocket watches.

[pfannkuchengesicht]

Actually Clickspring made it and through a time loop it ended up back 70 BC.

[hollieBlu]

I never knew the Antikythera mechanism was found off Simi....ive been there! Went on holiday to Rhodes in Greece! Its beautiful...and we bought... sponges and went diving. I'm serious. Beautiful. I had no idea. Amazing place. Would highly recommend if you find yourself in the Eastern Mediterranean 😊

[eetadakimasu]

I love your enthusiasm and the way your weave the info! Love the channel can't wait for more!

[pseudotasuki]

14:51 Perigee is the closest point. The farthest point is apogee.

[Lethgar_Smith]

I think you're over looking something in regards to the Archimedes connection. Couldn't he have built it while he was alive and then it end up on the ship some years later and sank? The device could have already been quite old when it sank. There is no reason the age of the wreck must coincide with age of the device.
I mean, it has to be at least as old as the wreck but it could just as easily be much older.
Right?

[DIOSpeedDemon]

I have a simple question: If the device were in working order today in 2024, and calibrated to planets and sun alignment in this day and time, could the mechanism predict upcoming Eclipses and accurate movements of planets in the year 2024. Thank you and great video series,

[yowiedragon]

Thankyou for an excellent updated version of this magnificent machine. The more we know the more I wonder in amazement 💜

[asicdathens]

The device that was discovered near the island of Antikythera includes astronomical phenomena discovered after the death of Archimedes. Also, the complexity, compactness and lack of design or manufacturing errors points to technological progress greater than one generation

[pytlakowski]

Movement of SUN and other "planets" most important here is that mechanism is based on geocentric knowledge "level still plane" and that's why is working even today so well and accurate;)

[fnersch]

I have a working replica of this. This device was not made in a vacuum. Centuries of gear technology preceded it.

[gregf]

22 centuries after its creation we are still discovering how it actually worked -- and that we still couldn't build it today. Amazing ...