The Antikythera Mechanism

The Cyprus Institute, in collaboration with the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, organises an exhibition on the Antikythera Mechanism, to be held in the Leventis Museum. The exhibition will feature the latest working model of the Mechanism, created by the 'Research Group for the Study of the Antikythera Mechanism' of the Aristotle University. The exhibition will be held within the framework of collaboration between the CyI and the Leventis Museum.

The 1900 discovery of the Antikythera Mechanism in a shipwreck close to island of Antikythera by sponge divers from Syme brought to light an archaeological artifact which has proved to be extremely important for the history of Technology. The Antikythera Mechanism was an analog computer of high technology. Built between 150 and 100 BC, this machine was used to calculate the exact position of the sun, the moon and possibly the planets on the sky. It also displayed the phases of the moon, predicted eclipses and determined the dates of the ancient Greek crown games (Stefanites). Its exterior and interior parts featured inscribed Greek text with astronomical, geographical and technical information.

Recently, the use of new technologies has significantly revised the study of this ancient computer. Novel approaches and techniques have permitted the reading of several new inscriptions and the detailed examination of the internal structure of its fragments. The close study of these valuable data, which remained unknown for over 2100 years, allowed a new understanding of the functions and uses of this unique object.

The current exhibition features rich photographic and informative material on the Antikythera Mechanism as well as physical and digital models of the Mechanism which complement the presentation of the working replica of the Aristotle University team.The exhibition presents great educational interest for students. Pedagogical activities, programs and presentations will be offered at the Leventis Museum.