Record #00328Technology archive
Oldest Surviving Geared Mechanical Computing Device
The Antikythera mechanism is the oldest known surviving complex geared calculator, usually dated to around the late second century BCE. Research identifies bronze gearing used to calculate astronomical cycles.
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Current Record
late2nd century BCE
Current record value
- Holder
- Antikythera mechanism
- Location
- Ancient shipwreck near Antikythera, Greece · Antikythera shipwreck area
- Start date
- —
- Record status
- VerifiedView verification details ↗Report an issue
Overview
Archive NoteDivers discovered a shipwreck near the Greek island of Antikythera around 1900. Among its remains were fragments of an intricate bronze mechanism, now reconstructed through X-ray scanning and analysis of inscriptions.
A 2006 Nature study used high-resolution X-ray tomography and surface imaging to identify at least thirty precision-cut gears and functions related to solar and lunar cycles. Later reconstructions address planetary displays and calendars, though some details remain unresolved.
Record history
1 Milestones- late 2nd century BCEAntikythera mechanismAncient shipwreck near Antikythera, GreeceCurrent Record
Sources
Evidence & ReferencesVerification basis and limitations
VerifiedThe record conclusion has sufficient verification support.
Basis: direct confirmation by an authority
Primary Nature research and a peer-reviewed review explicitly identify the Antikythera mechanism as the oldest known mechanical calculator.
- Verification assessment
- 2026-11-04
- Last editorial review
- 2026-11-04
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