The antique mechanism is a mysterious artifact found on a sunken ancient Greek ship more than a hundred years ago, - impresses with the complexity of its design. It has been considered the oldest analog computer for decades, which could include astronomical events. However, a new study, published on the Arxiv preprint server, offers an unexpected hypothesis: this device could not be a tool, but… a toy or training model.
The mechanism was discovered in 1901 in the Aegean near the Anti -Quite Island. It consists of numerous gears, indicators and rotating disks, which, according to preliminary data, allowed: to track the movements of the sun, moon and planets; anticipate eclipse; Specify dates on the ancient Greek calendar. Despite the striking design, a new computer modeling of its work is questioned by its functionality as an accurate measuring device. The authors of the study modeled the mechanism taking into account: inaccuracies in the manufacture of gears; the forms of teeth that were triangular, which affected the clutch; uneven distances between components.
According to the model, the device "jammed" in a few months of operation, and it had to be reboot manually. Such imperfection makes it dubious as a serious astronomical tool. Some scientists suggest that the device could be a training model that showed the movement of celestial bodies, or even a toy for a rich person. However, it is not necessary to completely devalue it: the complexity of the mechanism, in particular the accounting of different cycles of the movement of celestial bodies, testifies to the deep knowledge and engineering skills of the creators. There is another version: modern dimensions could be inaccurate because of a two -thousandth corrosion. If so, perhaps the original parameters have provided more accuracy and reliability than it seems now.
Despite numerous studies, the appointment of an antiquiter mechanism remains a mystery. Whether it was an accurate tool, educational exhibit or just a work of ancient Greek skills - this question may never be a definitive answer.
