This Mysterious 2,000-Year-Old Mechanism Is the World’s First Computer

An amazing device, created by Greek scientists 2,000 years ago, is the world’s first computer. What is the story behind this extraordinary mechanism and its hidden mysteries?

The Antikythera Mechanism has been a base of research for more than a century. This complex device was recovered in 1901 near the island of Antikythera, Greece, in a shipwreck that was discovered accidentally by sponge divers. Inside the wreck, the divers found flasks, coins and statues dating back to 100-150 B.C., which offer valuable information on the commercial artwork trading during the Hellenistic period. Fragments of the shipwreck as well as various other accessories prove that the vessel was a freighter with a capacity of 300 tons, which was carrying bronze and marble statues, glassware, and golden jewelry. Researchers have focused on a complex device that was found in the shipwreck, known as the Antikythera Mechanism.