Decoding the Heavens:
The Antikythera Mechanism
Jo Marchant is an award-winning science journalist and author of several popular science books including Decoding the Heavens: Solving the mystery of the world’s first computer and the New York Times bestseller Cure: A journey into the science of mind over body (both shortlisted for the Royal Society science books prize). She has a PhD in genetics, and has worked as a senior editor at New Scientist and at Nature. In 1901, sponge divers in the Mediterranean recovered several corroded pieces of bronze from an ancient shipwreck near the Greek island of Antikythera. Scholars soon noticed inscriptions on their surfaces, as well as traces of gearwheels, dials and pointers.
These fragments were the remains of a mysterious and sophisticated device, dubbed the 'Antikythera mechanism”. It turns out to be one of the most impressive items that survives from the ancient world and unique in the historical record, an unexpected treasure that has proved the ancient Greeks were capable of far more than we ever thought, and changed ideas about the origins of our own machines. In this lecture, I’ll tell the story of the mechanism’s discovery and the century-long race to decipher its workings; discuss what it means for the history of technology; and reveal the most recent insights into who built it and why."
- from Youtube
The Antikythera Mechanism
Process Theology, Engineering,
and the World's First Computer
The Antikythera Mechanism: A Marvel of Ancient Ingenuity
The Antikythera Mechanism, often regarded as the world's first analog computer, is an extraordinary artifact from ancient Greece, dating back to approximately 100 BCE to 200 BCE. Discovered in 1901 in a shipwreck near the Greek island of Antikythera, this intricate device was used to predict astronomical positions, eclipses, and possibly to organize events such as the ancient Olympic Games. Housed in a wooden case, it features a sophisticated assembly of interlocking bronze gears capable of simulating the movements of the Sun, Moon, and possibly the planets in relation to the fixed stars. Its dials and inscriptions, which describe its functions, showcase an extraordinary level of technological and mathematical sophistication. The Mechanism reflects advanced Greek knowledge of the Metonic cycle—a 19-year lunar-solar cycle—and the Saros cycle, used to predict eclipses. Its design suggests an understanding of the elliptical motion of celestial bodies, exemplifying the impressive engineering expertise and astronomical insight of its creators.
The Antikythera Mechanism as a Sacrament
The Antikythera Mechanism can also be understood as a sacrament, as holy in its way as the bread and wine of the Eucharist. Like all sacraments, its holiness is relational, derived from how it is received and interpreted by those who engage with it.
This holiness is not necessarily tied to the idea of God as a supreme being, although, as I suggest below, it can be tied to such an image. But at the very least it reflects our solidarity with the human beings who came before us and our awe for their ingenuity. It is, in essence, an engineering sacrament, its sacredness residing in its status as a remarkable union of mathematical and mechanical brilliance.
Propositions as Lures of Feeling
To imagine the minds of its creators is to witness a profound interplay between abstract potentialities—mathematical concepts in their own right—and actualities in the universe, such as the Sun, Moon, and stars. In the language of Whiteheadian philosophy, these potentialities are “propositions” or “lures for feeling.” The creators of the Antikythera Mechanism experimented with these lures, transforming abstract mathematical relationships into an intricate system of gears that mimics the cosmos’ dynamic order. This act of translation stands as a testament to human creativity, bridging the gap between the intangible realm of ideas and the tangible, functional reality.
Sacramental Engineering
The sacramental nature of the Antikythera Mechanism connects it to other feats of engineering throughout history: aqueducts that sustained ancient cities, Gothic cathedrals reaching toward the heavens, the printing press that democratized knowledge, and renewable energy systems that harness the sun and wind. Each of these achievements embodies the convergence of human ingenuity, inherited knowledge, and the practical application of abstract principles. They serve as enduring reminders of humanity’s ability to bridge the gap between potential and reality, imbuing the process with a relational holiness that links us across time and space.
The Predictable Cosmos
The Antikythera Mechanism also reflects an emerging worldview in which the cosmos is understood as a mechanistic process, one whose future could be predicted with precision. Far from diminishing its sacramental nature, this mechanistic perspective enhances it. The Mechanism becomes a window into the cosmos’ orderliness, a holiness rooted in the predictability and reliability of celestial patterns.
This confidence in cosmic order is foundational to all engineering. It allows for the creation of systems that reliably function, from ancient aqueducts to modern spacecraft. The Antikythera Mechanism exemplifies this faith in order, constructed with an understanding of celestial patterns its creators trusted would hold true across time. In this way, it embodies the creative interplay between human ingenuity and universal structure, uniting theoretical understanding with practical craftsmanship.
Reclaiming the Clockmaking Side of God
Do such sacraments reveal something of a cosmic Life in whose consciousness the universe unfolds? Do they, in their own way, reveal not only the ingenuity of their creators and, at the time, offer intimations of a heavenly clockmaker>
The metaphor of God as a clockmaker, often associated with Enlightenment-era Deism, has been criticized for portraying a detached and impersonal creator. Process theologians, in particular, reject this metaphor, favoring a vision of God as dynamically involved in the unfolding of the cosmos.
Yet, there is a side of God that resonates with the clockmaker analogy: God as a lure toward order in the universe. In process theology, God’s role as a clockmaker is not about creating a static, deterministic universe but about inspiring harmonious precision within the larger framework of dynamic change. The predictable, clocklike aspects of the universe—evident in both natural laws and human-engineered systems—reflect the divine lure for order, coherence, and beauty.
Understood in this way, the Antikythera Mechanism, with its intricate precision and predictive capacity, is a human response to this divine lure. Its creators worked within the framework of cosmic order to produce something that both reflects and participates in this order, embodying a relational collaboration between humanity and the divine.
An Ongoing Legacy
Although we know little about the creators of the Antikythera Mechanism, their ingenuity set the stage for contemporary technologies, including modern computing. The Mechanism remains a testament to human creativity and our ongoing effort to understand and engage with the cosmos. As an artifact, it transcends its time, offering a vision of a universe where the abstract and the tangible, the human and the divine, are intimately intertwined. It challenges us to see the sacred not only in the heavens but also in the mechanisms that help us understand them and in the human ingenuity of those who create them.
- Jay McDaniel
The Antikythera Mechanism, often regarded as the world's first analog computer, is an extraordinary artifact from ancient Greece, dating back to approximately 100 BCE to 200 BCE. Discovered in 1901 in a shipwreck near the Greek island of Antikythera, this intricate device was used to predict astronomical positions, eclipses, and possibly to organize events such as the ancient Olympic Games. Housed in a wooden case, it features a sophisticated assembly of interlocking bronze gears capable of simulating the movements of the Sun, Moon, and possibly the planets in relation to the fixed stars. Its dials and inscriptions, which describe its functions, showcase an extraordinary level of technological and mathematical sophistication. The Mechanism reflects advanced Greek knowledge of the Metonic cycle—a 19-year lunar-solar cycle—and the Saros cycle, used to predict eclipses. Its design suggests an understanding of the elliptical motion of celestial bodies, exemplifying the impressive engineering expertise and astronomical insight of its creators.
The Antikythera Mechanism as a Sacrament
The Antikythera Mechanism can also be understood as a sacrament, as holy in its way as the bread and wine of the Eucharist. Like all sacraments, its holiness is relational, derived from how it is received and interpreted by those who engage with it.
This holiness is not necessarily tied to the idea of God as a supreme being, although, as I suggest below, it can be tied to such an image. But at the very least it reflects our solidarity with the human beings who came before us and our awe for their ingenuity. It is, in essence, an engineering sacrament, its sacredness residing in its status as a remarkable union of mathematical and mechanical brilliance.
Propositions as Lures of Feeling
To imagine the minds of its creators is to witness a profound interplay between abstract potentialities—mathematical concepts in their own right—and actualities in the universe, such as the Sun, Moon, and stars. In the language of Whiteheadian philosophy, these potentialities are “propositions” or “lures for feeling.” The creators of the Antikythera Mechanism experimented with these lures, transforming abstract mathematical relationships into an intricate system of gears that mimics the cosmos’ dynamic order. This act of translation stands as a testament to human creativity, bridging the gap between the intangible realm of ideas and the tangible, functional reality.
Sacramental Engineering
The sacramental nature of the Antikythera Mechanism connects it to other feats of engineering throughout history: aqueducts that sustained ancient cities, Gothic cathedrals reaching toward the heavens, the printing press that democratized knowledge, and renewable energy systems that harness the sun and wind. Each of these achievements embodies the convergence of human ingenuity, inherited knowledge, and the practical application of abstract principles. They serve as enduring reminders of humanity’s ability to bridge the gap between potential and reality, imbuing the process with a relational holiness that links us across time and space.
The Predictable Cosmos
The Antikythera Mechanism also reflects an emerging worldview in which the cosmos is understood as a mechanistic process, one whose future could be predicted with precision. Far from diminishing its sacramental nature, this mechanistic perspective enhances it. The Mechanism becomes a window into the cosmos’ orderliness, a holiness rooted in the predictability and reliability of celestial patterns.
This confidence in cosmic order is foundational to all engineering. It allows for the creation of systems that reliably function, from ancient aqueducts to modern spacecraft. The Antikythera Mechanism exemplifies this faith in order, constructed with an understanding of celestial patterns its creators trusted would hold true across time. In this way, it embodies the creative interplay between human ingenuity and universal structure, uniting theoretical understanding with practical craftsmanship.
Reclaiming the Clockmaking Side of God
Do such sacraments reveal something of a cosmic Life in whose consciousness the universe unfolds? Do they, in their own way, reveal not only the ingenuity of their creators and, at the time, offer intimations of a heavenly clockmaker>
The metaphor of God as a clockmaker, often associated with Enlightenment-era Deism, has been criticized for portraying a detached and impersonal creator. Process theologians, in particular, reject this metaphor, favoring a vision of God as dynamically involved in the unfolding of the cosmos.
Yet, there is a side of God that resonates with the clockmaker analogy: God as a lure toward order in the universe. In process theology, God’s role as a clockmaker is not about creating a static, deterministic universe but about inspiring harmonious precision within the larger framework of dynamic change. The predictable, clocklike aspects of the universe—evident in both natural laws and human-engineered systems—reflect the divine lure for order, coherence, and beauty.
Understood in this way, the Antikythera Mechanism, with its intricate precision and predictive capacity, is a human response to this divine lure. Its creators worked within the framework of cosmic order to produce something that both reflects and participates in this order, embodying a relational collaboration between humanity and the divine.
An Ongoing Legacy
Although we know little about the creators of the Antikythera Mechanism, their ingenuity set the stage for contemporary technologies, including modern computing. The Mechanism remains a testament to human creativity and our ongoing effort to understand and engage with the cosmos. As an artifact, it transcends its time, offering a vision of a universe where the abstract and the tangible, the human and the divine, are intimately intertwined. It challenges us to see the sacred not only in the heavens but also in the mechanisms that help us understand them and in the human ingenuity of those who create them.
- Jay McDaniel
Core Ideas: A Summary
The Historical and Technological Marvel
- The Antikythera Mechanism, dated to 100-200 BCE, is considered the world's first analog computer.
- Discovered in 1901, it was used to predict astronomical positions, eclipses, and possibly organize events like the Olympic Games.
- It features interlocking bronze gears, simulating celestial movements, and reflects Greek knowledge of cycles like the Metonic and Saros.
- The Mechanism showcases advanced understanding of elliptical motion and celestial order.
- The Mechanism embodies a relational holiness, derived from the awe and solidarity it inspires with past human ingenuity.
- It can be viewed as an "engineering sacrament," merging mathematical and mechanical brilliance in a sacred manner.
- The creators of the Mechanism engaged with abstract potentialities (mathematical concepts) as “lures for feeling,” translating them into tangible systems.
- This creative process bridges the abstract realm of ideas with practical reality, reflecting profound human creativity.
- The Mechanism connects to other engineering feats like aqueducts, cathedrals, and renewable energy systems, all of which embody the interplay between human ingenuity, inherited knowledge, and practical application.
- These achievements carry a relational holiness, linking humanity across time and space.
- The Mechanism symbolizes a worldview where the cosmos is predictable and mechanistic, yet sacramental in its orderliness.
- Confidence in cosmic order underpins all engineering, from ancient designs to modern technology.
- It exemplifies humanity’s trust in universal patterns, merging theoretical understanding with craftsmanship.
- The Mechanism hints at a "clockmaking" aspect of God, reflecting divine inspiration for order and coherence.
- Unlike Enlightenment-era Deism, process theology envisions God as dynamically involved, inspiring harmony and precision within change.
- The Mechanism reflects humanity’s collaboration with this divine lure toward beauty and order.
- The creators of the Mechanism laid the groundwork for contemporary technology, influencing fields like modern computing.
- The artifact transcends its time, showcasing a universe where the abstract, tangible, human, and sacred are intertwined.
- It invites us to recognize the sacred in human ingenuity and the mechanisms that deepen our cosmic understanding.
Grace Underwater
It might seem unconventional to associate the word "grace" with mysterious objects found underwater. The term is often reserved for describing an unmerited gift from God. Yet, I use it here to signify the unexpected gift of the past—a gift that offers occasions for wonder, creativity, and a profound sense of connection with what has come before. This gift, passed on to successor generations, reveals the enduring ingenuity of those who have gone before us.
In Whitehead's philosophy, the past is not merely a collection of bygone events; it is a wellspring of innovation and influence. Every past event, whether psychological, physical, biological, or astronomical, achieves "objective immortality," leaving an indelible imprint on the present and future. This ongoing influence enriches the process of reality, as successors creatively engage with the past. Such engagement involves interpretation—a dynamic, creative process that Whitehead calls "the adventure of ideas." This interpretative adventure broadens understanding and opens pathways for new innovations and discoveries.
Archaeology, including its marine counterpart, provides a tangible example of this interplay between the past and the present. It unveils how the ingenuity of earlier civilizations continues to inform contemporary thought and practice. The Antikythera Mechanism serves as a striking illustration of this legacy.
We live in a time when being grateful for anything does not always come easily. This is partly because of the pervasive sadness in the world—marked by injustice, suffering, and uncertainty—and partly because many people are taught to prioritize self-reliance over gratitude. In such a context, recognizing the grace of the past can serve as a partial antidote. Through amazement at the remarkable achievements of earlier civilizations, we are reminded of the ingenuity that has shaped human history. Archaeological discoveries, in this sense, become sacraments of ingenuity—tangible reminders of the creative potential embedded in our shared heritage. These artifacts inspire humility and gratitude, connecting us with the continuity of human endeavor and offering glimpses of what is possible when creativity and perseverance are brought to bear on life’s challenges.
- Jay McDaniel
In Whitehead's philosophy, the past is not merely a collection of bygone events; it is a wellspring of innovation and influence. Every past event, whether psychological, physical, biological, or astronomical, achieves "objective immortality," leaving an indelible imprint on the present and future. This ongoing influence enriches the process of reality, as successors creatively engage with the past. Such engagement involves interpretation—a dynamic, creative process that Whitehead calls "the adventure of ideas." This interpretative adventure broadens understanding and opens pathways for new innovations and discoveries.
Archaeology, including its marine counterpart, provides a tangible example of this interplay between the past and the present. It unveils how the ingenuity of earlier civilizations continues to inform contemporary thought and practice. The Antikythera Mechanism serves as a striking illustration of this legacy.
We live in a time when being grateful for anything does not always come easily. This is partly because of the pervasive sadness in the world—marked by injustice, suffering, and uncertainty—and partly because many people are taught to prioritize self-reliance over gratitude. In such a context, recognizing the grace of the past can serve as a partial antidote. Through amazement at the remarkable achievements of earlier civilizations, we are reminded of the ingenuity that has shaped human history. Archaeological discoveries, in this sense, become sacraments of ingenuity—tangible reminders of the creative potential embedded in our shared heritage. These artifacts inspire humility and gratitude, connecting us with the continuity of human endeavor and offering glimpses of what is possible when creativity and perseverance are brought to bear on life’s challenges.
- Jay McDaniel
The Antikythera Mechanism
Related Links
- Decoding the Heavens: The Antikythera Mechanism by Jo Marchant - Darwin College Lecture Series
- ‘A Mirror of Nature’ by Mike Edmunds – Inference, June 2022
- Return to Antikythera: Investigating the Famous Shipwreck
- Exploring the Titanic of the Ancient World by Jo Marchant – Smithsonian Magazine, Feb 2015
- Reconstructing the Antikythera Mechanism
- The inscriptions of the Antikythera Mechanism – Almagest, 2016
Additional Engineering Sacraments
- The Great Pyramid of Giza (Egypt) – Built around 2560 BCE, it remains a mystery how ancient builders achieved such precision with limited tools.
- Stonehenge (England) – A prehistoric monument with an unclear purpose and construction method, dating back to 3000–2000 BCE.
- Machu Picchu (Peru) – The intricate stonework of this 15th-century Inca site was achieved without the use of mortar, and its purpose remains partly speculative.
- The Nazca Lines (Peru) – Large geoglyphs etched into the desert floor around 500 BCE to 500 CE, their exact purpose is still debated.
- The Hanging Gardens of Babylon (Iraq) – One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, their existence and engineering remain unverified mysteries.
- Göbekli Tepe (Turkey) – A 12,000-year-old site of monumental architecture that predates agriculture, challenging assumptions about prehistoric societies.
- The Baghdad Battery (Iraq) – A clay jar thought to be a primitive battery from around 250 BCE to 250 CE, with a still-debated function.
- The Shroud of Turin (Italy) – A cloth bearing the image of a man that defies simple explanation regarding its origin and the process that created the image.
- The Coral Castle (USA) – Built single-handedly in Florida by Edward Leedskalnin in the early 20th century, the methods remain unclear.
- The Ajanta Caves (India) – Rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments dating back to 2nd century BCE, remarkable for their precision and artistry.
- The Kailasa Temple at Ellora (India) – A massive monolithic temple carved from a single rock in the 8th century CE, with techniques still debated.
- The Roman Aqueducts (Europe) – Ingenious ancient engineering feats that transported water across vast distances with remarkable precision.
- The Iron Pillar of Delhi (India) – A 1,600-year-old iron column that resists corrosion, the metallurgical methods remain a mystery.
- The Moai Statues of Easter Island (Chile) – Monumental stone heads created by the Rapa Nui people, their transportation methods are still debated.
- The Paracas Textiles (Peru) – Ancient woven textiles from 600 BCE, their intricate patterns and vibrant colors defy the technological limits of their time.
- The Terracotta Army (China) – Thousands of life-sized clay soldiers buried with China’s first emperor in 210–209 BCE, each uniquely detailed.
- The Mechanized Automata of al-Jazari (Islamic World) – Ingenious machines designed by the 12th-century engineer, including water clocks and automata.
- The Lighthouse of Alexandria (Egypt) – An ancient wonder with an innovative design that guided sailors and stood for centuries before its collapse.
- The Viking Sunstone (Scandinavia) – A crystal believed to help Vikings navigate by polarized light, though its exact use is not fully understood.
- The Bimini Road (Bahamas) – Underwater stone formations speculated to be man-made and possibly linked to the legend of Atlantis.