From May 1902, in the first publication about the discoveries from the Antikythera wreck, the “strange bronze machine” with a possible astronomical function is mentioned. Subsequent publications referred to the word “astrolabe”, while other opinions prefered a more complex device, such as a planetarium. The debate continued until the 1970s and the first X-rays, when consensus was reached about the nature of the artefact: it is a mechanical calculating device which displays calendars and related astronomical phenomena. But theories about its functions were challenged and the deciphered inscriptions sparse. Consequently, the National Archaeological Museum granted permission for further investigations: in 1990, with linear tomography, and in 2005, with advanced surface imaging and tomography techniques. This last interdisciplinary research is still ongoing.

(Click on the pictures below to watch the videos)

(Video can be found at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1LbXSbxEJk
and the Original version at: http://www.nature.com/nature/videoarchive/antikythera/)

(This video can be found at: www.youtube.com/
watch?v=oEpf2Lskpsg&feature=player_embedded)