National Arcaeological Museum | Object of April 2012 - Μηχανισμός των Αντικυθήρων * The Antikythera Mechanism

This Month (April 2012) in National Arcaeological Museum: ancient Greek object

"Ο Μηχανισμός των Αντικυθήρων"

(The Antikythera Mechanism).

Material: Χαλκός (Bronze)
Provenance : Antikythera shipwreck. From the material retrieved in 1900-1901
Date : Second half of the 2nd century BC
Inv. no : X 15087

Τhe recovery of the Mechanism among the other objects from the cargo of the ship that sank off Antikythera makes this shipwreck unique and of major importance. Seven large fragments (Α-G) and 75 minor pieces (1-75) have survived. Their exact position and the original structure of the Mechanism are still a matter of intense investigation. It contained at least 30 gearwheels as well as dials, scales, axles and pointers. The greek, astronomical inscriptions on the surface of the Mechanism refer to astronomical and calendar calculations, while the inscriptions on its metal protective plates contain instructions for its use. The Mechanism was protected by a wooden case, which had a bronze plaque on the front and the back side.
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