The Antikythera mechanism is considered to be the first computer in the world. It is specifically the first analog ancient Greek astronomical computer.
It was the most complex example of engineering of antiquity to predict various astronomical data and celestial phenomena. It could predict the position of the Sun, the Moon, the planets, and the solar and lunar eclipses. It was an impressive feat of ancient Greek genius.
It was made about 2,000 years ago from bronze and has 30 gears. To date, a full understanding of the system has not been possible. This is because only a third of the mechanism has been found in 82 fragments. The numbers 462 and 442 were found in the device, which are the orbital years of the planets Venus and Saturn, respectively.
Nevertheless, significant progress has been made in recent years in understanding its potential with the use of X-rays.
It was discovered in 1901 by Greek fishermen in a shipwreck near Antikythera. Today it is kept in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.
[Source: http://www.naftemporiki.gr]
