Antikythera Mechanism: declared a Historic Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Engineers

One of Greece’s most celebrated archaeological treasures, the Antikythera Mechanism, has received international recognition from the United States.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has bestowed upon the Mechanism the title of Historic Engineering Landmark, acknowledging its extraordinary role in the history and development of engineering science and technology.

The official presentation of the plaque will take place next Wednesday, June 26, in the main hall of the Altar of the National Archaeological Museum. Esteemed Greek and American scientists will make brief presentations about the Mechanism’s unique contribution to science, as well as the ongoing research aimed at better understanding its structure and function.

The Antikythera Mechanism, an unparalleled find from the 1st century BC, was discovered at the bottom of the Antikythera Sea in 1901. Its technical complexity has captivated the scientific community ever since. The Mechanism, the oldest surviving machine with gears, is constructed from bronze and was originally housed in a wooden frame.

Following the discovery of the wreck, fishermen retrieved the Mechanism a few months later from a depth of about 40-65 metres, along with other treasures. On May 17, 1902, Valerios Stais, an archaeologist and director of the Archaeological Museum, was the first to observe that one of the finds had a cogwheel embedded in it and bore inscriptions with astronomical terms.

This is the oldest known multi-component cogwheel mechanism to have survived. According to the most widely accepted theory, it is an astronomical and calendar analogue computer. Similar complex mechanisms did not emerge in Europe until the mechanical clocks of the 13th century.

The event, which will begin at 4pm, is open to all and does not require registration. Presentations will be delivered in English.