The Antikythera mechanism is an ancient analog computer that was used to calculate and display astronomical and calendar information, such as the positions of the sun, moon, and planets, the phases of the moon, the eclipses, and the dates of the Olympic games. It is considered the oldest and most sophisticated mechanical device of its kind, and a masterpiece of ancient engineering.
The Antikythera mechanism
The water mill is a device that uses the power of flowing water to rotate a wheel that drives a mechanical process, such as milling, grinding, sawing, or hammering. It is one of the earliest examples of harnessing natural forces for human use, and a precursor of modern hydropower. The water mill was widely used in ancient Greece for various purposes, such as irrigation, mining, metalworking, and textile production.
The odometer is a device that measures the distance traveled by a vehicle, such as a chariot or a cart. It is attributed to Archimedes, who reportedly used it to measure the size of the Roman army. The odometer was also used by the ancient Greeks to construct accurate maps and to plan road networks.
The catapult is a device that uses a lever and a tension or torsion mechanism to launch a projectile, such as a stone or a dart, at a distant target. It was developed by the ancient Greeks as a weapon of war, and later improved by the Romans and the Byzantines. The catapult was used for siege warfare, naval battles, and field combat, and had a significant influence on the history of warfare.
The alarm clock is a device that produces a sound or a signal at a preset time, to wake up or alert the user. The first known alarm clock was invented by Plato, who used a water clock with a whistle mechanism to signal the start of his lectures. The alarm clock was also used by the ancient Greeks for various religious and civic purposes, such as timing the speeches at the assembly or the courts, or marking the hours of the day and night.