Before the iPad … the Antikythera Mechanism

New Exhibition at National Hellenic Museum Highlights replica of First Computer

CHICAGO (November 14, 2011) — And you thought rotary phones were old!

The National Hellenic Museum’s family friendly special exhibit Gods, Myths and Mortals: Discover Ancient Greece opening Dec. 10 features a replica of the Antikythera Mechanism, believed to be the world’s oldest computer and considered the most sophisticated known device from the Greek Classical world. This astrological and mathematical device could track the cycles of the Solar System and dates back to 80-100 BC.

The ancient Greek understanding of cause and effect (exemplified by the mechanism) led to the development of the scientific method that is used today.

Modern technology is being used to unlock the mysteries of the Antikythera Mechanism. An interactive kiosk gives guests the chance to manipulate a digital model, highlighting (30 bronze dials and geared wheels), and gain an understanding of how this Greek machine is altering our understanding of the history of science.

The fragments of the Antikythera Mechanism are housed at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. They were recovered by sponge divers in 1901 from an ancient shipwreck in Antikythera, Greece.

Gods, Myths & Mortals: Discover Ancient Greece was produced by the Children’s Museum of Manhattan and supported by major grants from The John P. Calamos Foundation, The Jaharis Family Foundation, National Endowment for the Humanities: great ideas brought to life, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs through the office of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Stavros S. Niarchos Foundation.

The National Hellenic Museum’s mission is to preserve and explore Hellenism and to chronicle the Greek American journey through exhibitions, oral histories, archival collections and education programs. Our purpose is to inspire in people of all backgrounds a curiosity for their own story through a greater connection to Greek history, culture and the arts. Located at the corner of Halsted and Van Buren in the heart of Chicago’s famed Greektown, the Museum celebrates its grand opening in December 2011. For more information, visit nationalhellenicmuseum.org or call 312-655-1234.

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Media Contacts:
Veronica Jackson
PCI
312/558-1770, ext. 128
vjackson@pcipr.com