Indeed it was. It's one of those finds that make you really ponder about what was invented and lost over the millenia as we struggled up the technology tree.
There was something similar that the Roman's used to mark the miles along their roads. Used gears to calculate where to place the markers. Another Greek I think mechanism that performed elaborate auto-theater, complete with special effects.
I read a few bits where they claim the Greeks almost invented the steam engine, but saw it as an automation tool not an engine. Used it to automatically open and close temple doors to wow the crowds.