Lego Antikythera Mechanism

[Ken Morgan]

Cool...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLPVCJjTNgk&feature=player_embedded

 

[Bob Hubbard]

One question.
How can it be a replica if it uses more gears and looks nothing like it?

I like the idea, love the original, and this is really cool, but....

 

[Sukerkin]

It is a replica of function and method rather than appearance. That is what I would guess they meant when they said "replica".

 

[Bob Hubbard]

Ah. ok. I'd like to see one that does both. When I first saw the original on Ancient Discoveries, it was impressive.

 

[Sukerkin]

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.

 

[Bob Hubbard]

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.