Scientists using a unique x-ray system have cracked the mystery of the Antikythera Mechanism, a corroded lump of bronze found by sponge divers a hundred years ago on the floor of the Mediterranean. The second century BC device was an elaborate astromnomical calculator that could predict eclipses, track the orbits of the sun, moon and planets. A computer model and a full working replica are in the works.
1 comment
Much that they knew is lost to us forever. However, this is an astonishing discovery.
Further reading:
http://www.newyorker.com/online/2007/05/14/slideshow_070514_antikythera
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2007/05/14/070514fa_fact_seabrook