The Antikythera Mechanism: How an Ancient Computer Redefined History

A mysterious ancient device, often called the world's first computer, was pulled from a shipwreck over a century ago. The Antikythera Mechanism has puzzled experts ever since its discovery in 1900. Now, a new episode of Pop Mech delves into its origins, functions, and the questions that still surround it.

The show is available to watch on PopularMechanics.com.

The story begins with a Greek ship that sank near Antikythera island in the Aegean Sea millennia ago. Among its cargo—statues, coins, and other artefacts—sponge divers found a corroded, shoebox-sized object. Later named the Antikythera Mechanism, it proved to be an intricate astronomical calculator, far ahead of its time.

The device could track planetary movements, forecast eclipses, and even included a dial for the timing of the Olympic Games. Its complex gear system predates similar technology by centuries. Most scholars now link it to the ancient Greek island of Rhodes, particularly the school of Posidonios (c. 135–51 BCE). Evidence supporting this includes advanced geared instruments from Rhodes, historical texts by Rhodian astronomers like Geminos, and stylistic matches with other Rhodian bronze artefacts.

Yet many questions remain. No other device like it has ever been found, leaving experts to debate whether it was a one-off creation or part of a wider tradition. The Pop Mech episode explores these mysteries, examining how such a sophisticated tool was made—and why nothing similar appears in the archaeological record.

The Antikythera Mechanism remains one of history's most intriguing technological artefacts. Its discovery reshaped our understanding of ancient Greek engineering and astronomy. The Pop Mech show offers viewers a closer look at the device's secrets, its possible Rhodian roots, and the enduring debate over its purpose.