Podcast Title: In Our Time
Episode: The Antikythera Mechanism
Host: Melvyn Bragg
Release Date: December 12, 2024
Guests:

• Mike Edmonds: Emeritus Professor of Astrophysics, Cardiff University
• Lieber Taub: Professor Emerita, Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge; Visiting Scholar, Deutsch Museum, Munich
• Joe Marchant: Science Journalist and Author of Decoding the Heavens on the Antikythera Mechanism

Introduction to the Antikythera Mechanism

Melvyn Bragg opens the episode by highlighting the Antikythera Mechanism as "one of the greatest discoveries in the history of marine archaeology" (00:09). Salvaged from a 2,000-year-old shipwreck in 1901, the mechanism was initially dismissed as a corroded bronze lump. However, its true significance unveiled when it broke apart, revealing a complex analog computer far advanced for its time—an innovation not seen again until the Middle Ages.

Discovery and Early Analysis

Joe Marchant provides a vivid description of the mechanism:
"It was one of the most sophisticated and complicated objects that survives from the ancient world... a wooden box about the size of a shoebox filled with bronze gear wheels, looking like clockwork" (01:33). The discovery occurred when Greek sponge divers, diverted by a storm to the rocky island of Antikythera, salvaged numerous artifacts from the shipwreck. The mechanism itself remained buried and unnoticed until it accidentally broke open years later.

Mike Edmonds elaborates on the salvaging process, noting the cooperation between divers and Greek archaeologists, which led to the recovery of an unprecedented collection of ancient treasures, including statues, jewelry, and fine glassware. The mechanism was recognized for its uniqueness only after its internal gears were exposed, showcasing precision components not previously attributed to the classical era.

Detailed Description of the Mechanism

Joe Marchant describes the Antikythera Mechanism as:
"Essentially a model of the universe, a little portable cosmos... a dial on the front shows the movements of the sun, moon, and planets; a star calendar indicates rising and setting constellations; and dials on the back display calendar information, athletic games like the Olympics, and eclipse predictions" (02:32).

The mechanism operates by turning a handle, allowing the user to move forwards and backwards in time, with the gears adjusting to reflect celestial events accurately. This intricate design evidences a profound understanding of astronomy and mechanical engineering in ancient Greece.

Historical Context and Purpose

Mike Edmonds discusses the ship's likely route along a common trade path from the eastern Mediterranean to Italy, suggesting that the mechanism was among the possessions of a wealthy individual—perhaps an official relocating with their household goods (04:52). He speculates that the Antikythera Mechanism served as a status symbol, an object of intellectual prestige that showcased the owner's knowledge and appreciation of the cosmos.

Lieber Taub adds that the mechanism was likely a collaborative effort, involving artisans skilled in both metalwork and engraving, to create an object that was both functional and decorative. This notion underscores the interconnectedness of scientific understanding and craftsmanship in ancient Greek society.

Philosophical and Scientific Implications

Joe Marchant emphasizes the mechanism's role in shifting the Greek worldview from a mythological to a mechanical understanding of the universe:
"It's an expression of the rational design, order, and purpose in the universe... moving from the idea of chaotic, magical celestial bodies to a single mathematical system" (25:25). This transition marks a foundational moment in the development of the scientific method, where observation and mathematical modeling take precedence over divine intervention.

Mike Edmonds reflects on how the mechanism exemplifies the Greeks' sophisticated engineering capabilities, which were previously underestimated:
"We forgot that the Greeks were just as intelligent as us and fascinating civilization" (34:23). The device challenges modern perceptions of ancient technological limitations and highlights the advanced state of Greek scientific thought.

Later Research and Technological Legacy

The podcast chronicles the mechanism's rediscovery and subsequent studies. Joe Marchant narrates how scholars like Derek de Sola Price in the 1950s and later researchers utilized radiography and CT scanning to uncover the mechanism's intricate gear systems (11:21, 28:00). These technological advancements allowed experts to understand the device's functionality, including its ability to model planetary motions and predict eclipses.

Mike Edmonds draws connections between the Antikythera Mechanism and later technological developments, such as medieval astronomical clocks, suggesting a lineage of mechanical innovation that traces back to ancient Greece:
"The beginnings of that technology actually go all the way back to ancient Greece" (38:54). This legacy underscores the mechanism's pivotal role in the evolution of mechanical engineering.

Unanswered Questions and Future Research

Despite extensive studies, many aspects of the Antikythera Mechanism remain enigmatic. Lieber Taub points out that while the device's internal workings are increasingly understood, the human elements—such as the identities of its creators and patrons—remain elusive (40:32). The trio expresses hope that future archaeological discoveries, akin to those of Pompeii, might shed light on these unanswered questions.

Mike Edmonds shares his optimism for potential future findings:
"What I hope for is maybe something like Herculaneum Pompeii... that would be very exciting" (41:44). Such discoveries could provide deeper insights into the societal and cultural contexts that fostered the creation of the Antikythera Mechanism.

Conclusion

The Antikythera Mechanism stands as a testament to the ingenuity and advanced scientific understanding of ancient Greece. Through the collaborative insights of Mike Edmonds, Lieber Taub, and Joe Marchant, the podcast illuminates the mechanism's multifaceted significance—from its technological sophistication and philosophical implications to its enduring legacy in the history of science and engineering. As research continues, the Antikythera Mechanism not only challenges our historical perceptions but also inspires ongoing fascination with the achievements of past civilizations.

Notable Quotes

• Joe Marchant (01:33):
  "It was one of the most sophisticated and complicated objects that survives from the ancient world... a wooden box about the size of a shoebox filled with bronze gear wheels, looking like clockwork."

• Joe Marchant (25:25):
  "It's an expression of the rational design, order, and purpose in the universe... moving from the idea of chaotic, magical celestial bodies to a single mathematical system."

• Mike Edmonds (34:23):
  "We forgot that the Greeks were just as intelligent as us and fascinating civilization."

• Mike Edmonds (38:54):
  "The beginnings of that technology actually go all the way back to ancient Greece."

• Mike Edmonds (41:44):
  "What I hope for is maybe something like Herculaneum Pompeii... that would be very exciting."

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections as per the podcast's structure.