The oldest computer in the Roman era

The size of a shoe box, a mysterious bronze device taken from a shipwreck in Roman times in the early 20th century has been a headache for scientists for many years.

Now the experts are amazed to realize that it is the oldest astronomical computer in the world.

A group of Greek and British scientists investigated the secrets of the Antikythera machine and deciphered the ancient Greek inscriptions 2,000 years ago.

A piece of ancient computer.( Source: astro.rug )

" Now we have decoded 95% of the writing, including more than 1,000 characters, " said physicist Yiannis Bitsakis, a member of the archaeological group.

Retrieved in 1900 from a Roman shipwreck in 80 BC, near the Greek island of Antikythera and kept at the Athens National Archaeological Museum, the machine consists of more than 30 wheels and faces. Bronze clock, covered by astronomical symbols.

" The device can be used to calculate the position of stars, at least the sun and the moon, and predict astronomical phenomena ," said physicist Xenophon Moussas at Athens University. " The device is very rare, if not unique ."

There is a theory that the device was built at a school founded by the ancient philosopher Poseidonios, on the Greek island of Rhodes.

" Like Alexandria, Rhodes was an astronomical center at that time. The ship containing equipment could be in the escort of Julius Caesar to Rome carrying wealth from the island ."