The Antikythera Mechanism Was Used for Astrology

[Ian Pegler]

A very interesting article on Chris Brennan's blog...

The Antikythera mechanism has been widely hailed as the most complex mechanical device to have been constructed in the ancient world, completely rewriting our understanding of ancient science and mechanics. Yet, the actual purpose of the device is seldom mentioned or explored with much depth.

Why? Because primary purpose for constructing such a device during that time period would have been to use it for astrological purposes.

CLICK HERE to read the article.

Ian

[Lorraine]

Very interesting Ian, thanks for the post.

Lorraine

[Ian Pegler]

I just came across this YouTube video, showing a working model of the Antikythera mechanism in action.



Ian

[Helen-Healing]

It's a shame they didn't show an image of the original device. However, I did find one by googling, and there's not much to see - it's very rusted.

[Bonnie]

There's a nice picture of a reconstructed antikythera mechanism here (scroll down past the photo and x-ray of the ancient model).

As an aside, Chris Brennan is one of the reasons I remain hopeful for the future of thought on this planet. He is a very young man, and one of the finest scholars and teachers around, very generous with his learning and an excellent communicator. His blog is a treasure trove in and of itself.

[Grahame]

Well, if you thought that those reconstructed mechanisms were pretty neat - try this one...
The entire thing constructed from Lego! How cool is that? The video gives a good explanation of how it works, too.

[Bonnie]

Hey, now that's an antikythera! With a manual, too! Fascinating Grahame, thanks for the link.

[Helen-Healing]

Great vid, Grahame! The mind boggles!!

the actual purpose of the device is seldom mentioned or explored with much depth.

Why? Because primary purpose for constructing such a device during that time period would have been to use it for astrological purposes.

Astronomy, surely?

[Ian Pegler]

Astronomy, surely?

The comment is Chris Brennan's, not mine. Seeing as he's a student of Astrology, I guess he means just that - Astrology.

Here's a longer quote, to put it in context:

Why? Because primary purpose for constructing such a device during that time period would have been to use it for astrological purposes. That is to say, it would have been used to calculate and construct birth charts, or other astrologically related charts for inceptional and electional astrology (a.k.a. katarchic astrology).

Ian

[Helen-Healing]

I know the comment was Chris Brennan's. I think that's obvious from the quote.

I would say that in those days, the fine line between astronomy & astrology was pretty blurred. Ptolemy was an astronomer and an astrologer. However, I won't argue about it.

[Ian Pegler]

there's a programme about the Antikythera Mechanism tonight, BBC 4, 9 p.m.

Probing the secrets of the Antikythera Mechanism

The secrets of one of the most remarkable technological finds from Ancient Greece have been probed for the first time using powerful X-ray imaging equipment, specially shipped to Athens.

CLICK HERE for the video report.

Ian

[Malcolm]

that was a great programme

[Ian Pegler]

Unfortunately I dozed off - I'll have to watch it on iplayer, later.

Ian

[Helen-Healing]

Yes, it was an excellent programme. Astounding that the Greeks were capable of making such an instrument at that time in history - it would be a feat even today.

[Malcolm]

Helen... even made out of Lego? see above