Diving exosuit aids hunt for ancient computer

[UM-Bot]

An advanced new diving suit will be worn by divers looking for more pieces of the Antikythera mechanism.

Discovered at the beginning of the 20th century, the famous Antikythera device is thought to be an ancient analog computer that dates back more than 2,000 years. Its remarkable complexity for the time period has made it one of the most fascinating artifacts ever found.

Read More: http://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/news/267356/diving-exosuit-aids-hunt-for-ancient-computer

[Dark_Grey]

If we find more complex machines dating back to that time period, what will that tell us about the advancement of ancient societies?

[Sundew]

Have to wonder how advanced ancient tech might have become had they developed a reliable a power source like electricity and discovered the electric motor. Each new discovery builds upon another, sometimes mankind is simply waiting for the puzzle pieces to fall into place before the next great leap in tech can take place. At the rate which knowledge is doubling, things are about to get even more amazing or a lot scarier over the next few decades, it just depends on whether wisdom is applied to the knowledge gained.

As for the device found on the shipwreck, have they not tried to copy (i.e. reverse engineer) it to determine its function and make a working mondel? If not perhaps that would be a good start.

[Imaginarynumber1]

As for the device found on the shipwreck, have they not tried to copy (i.e. reverse engineer) it to determine its function and make a working mondel? If not perhaps that would be a good start.

[keithisco]

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Yes they have.There are no missing bits of the puzzle, but perhaps more mechanisms to be found

[Imaginarynumber1]

Yes they have.There are no missing bits of the puzzle, but perhaps more mechanisms to be found

I was just showing the poster that there are indeed working models of the mechanism. Of course, there could be more of different ones.

[pbarosso]

its an ancient fishing reel. anyone can see that

[Four Winds]

Yes they have.There are no missing bits of the puzzle, but perhaps more mechanisms to be found

There are missing bits, that is what they are going to look for.

[Silent Trinity]

Fascinating find! I really think we don't give our ancestors the credit they deserve sometimes. Be interesting to see the continuation of this story

[keithisco]

There are missing bits, that is what they are going to look for.

This is what they will be looking for:

Scientists are optimistic that the site will yield a second device like the Antikythera Mechanism, currently the centrepiece of an exhibition at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens until June 29, while a preliminary survey last year showed a wealth of artefacts scattered over an area of about 50 metres by 10 metres, as well as a second unknown shipwreck next to the one already found.

http://greece.greekreporter.com/2014/06/06/archaeology-to-enlist-robot-suit-to-scour-seabed-near-roman-era-antikythera-shipwreck/

[+Noteverythingisaconspiracy]

If we find more complex machines dating back to that time period, what will that tell us about the advancement of ancient societies?

It will tell us that people in the ancient world was just as clever as people today, unlike what the ancient alien crowd like to make us believe.

[TheGreatBeliever]

Would be so exciting if it was really extraterrestrial

[+Noteverythingisaconspiracy]

Would be so exciting if it was really extraterrestrial

Why would aliens, who are capable of interstellar travel, build a mechanical astronomical device ?

This was most definately made by humans and, to me atleast, that makes it even more amazing.

[HappyMonkey]

If we find more complex machines dating back to that time period, what will that tell us about the advancement of ancient societies?

If you want to be amazed about the technical prowess of ancient civilizations, read an actual history book.

They're a bit dry and don't reference aliens of magic, but the ancient had many clever mechanics and tools that paved the groundwork for modern technology.

The Greeks had mechanized sets for their plays, which I've always thought was really interesting.

[Poltergeistnz]

Well if the bluetooth is switched on then they should be easy to find! lol

[Peter B]

If we find more complex machines dating back to that time period, what will that tell us about the advancement of ancient societies?

It seems unlikely to me that machines much more complex than the Antikythera Device will be found. As Sundew suggests, the ancients never had access to a reliable source of energy like electricity (the Baghdad Battery appears to be an isolated incident, assuming it isn't a modern forgery).

What we can point to is a very narrow thread of high mechanical technology passing through Greek, Roman and Byzantine societies. It started in late Classical times, expanded through Hellenistic history (which is when the Antikythera Device dates from) and probably came to an end with the sack of Constantinople by the armies of the Fourth Crusade in 1204.

We know, for example, that as late as the 10th century, diplomats invited to meet the Byzantine Emperor described him as sitting on a throne which could be raised to impressive heights thanks to some mechanism, and that the throne room contained a mechanical device shaped like a tree with birds which produced music out of the beaks of the birds. These are impressive engineering feats, even if directed to seemingly frivolous activities.

It's also worth noting that Hellenistic and Roman texts were picked up and run with by people living in the Caliphate, and that a similar narrow thread of high mechanical technology thrived there, probably until the sack of Baghdad by the Mongols in 1259.

But in each case we know the spread of this technology was narrow: while we can find references to the impressive devices of people like Vitruvius, Hero of Alexandria or the Sons of Musa, we also clearly see that these devices weren't widely available. Most people gained their energy from personal exertion, slaves or the use of animals. Most of the devices described were of little use to ordinary folk and were generally intended as playthings for Important People or for use in places of worship. They were too few to be much use in either the economy or warfare.