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What do you think the Antikythera Mechanism was used for?

GlassDog · 41-45, M
I know there's some doubt, but I can't see any reason to believe it's not an orrery and clock/calendar.
MikefromEP · 51-55, M
@GlassDog: So much precision for back then though. I find it very interesting
GlassDog · 41-45, M
@MikefromEP: I remember reading that many weren't aware that such precision was possible at that time and this was reason to imagine it was produced later. I don't know enough to weigh it up one way or the other, but I know we can't assume that our view of history is always accurate.
SW-User
primitive analog computer
MikefromEP · 51-55, M
@crossproduct: Mildly suggested as the first computer... but the Abacus was around far earlier than that
SW-User
@MikefromEP: I don't consider an abacus to be a computer, though; it's just a memory aid and the operator still does all the work. The Antikythera Mechanism runs through several algorithms iteratively and although it doesn't do fancy stuff like later analog computers, IMO it still counts.
MikefromEP · 51-55, M
@crossproduct: It is a calculator still used to this day by some traditional practices.. Binary you could say

 
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