Researchers propose a 'day zero' for the oldest computer ever discovered

PC Gamer ^ | By Katie Wickens

[BenLurkin]

Built some time between 200 BC and 60 BC, the Antikythera mechanism is the oldest known computer mechanism in existence. This ancient, geared device for tracking the heavens is in pretty bad shape after all that time.

But, despite the rust, researchers may have finally revealed a possible date it was first set ticking—also known as "Day Zero."

For a clock like this the calibrations would require a start date to ensure the device’s accuracy.

Recent advancements have pointed to the calibration date having been around the time the moon was in its apogee position, its furthest position in orbit from the Earth, which causes a kind of solar eclipse.

Aristeidis Voulgaris of the Thessaloniki Directorate of Culture and Tourism in Greece now supposes the calibration date was around 23 December 178 BC, backing it up with the fact that a bunch of other culturally important astronomical events happened simultaneously right just then. The winter solstice is one event that helped push the team toward their conclusion, particularly as the mechanism’s inscription mentions it specifically.

Four independent calculations have been made by other researchers, which place the device's calibration closer to 204 BC, however. These calculations relied on the period where the mechanism’s astronomical predictions were most accurate, but place the date in the summer. That potential has researchers scratching their heads over the prominence of the device’s winter solstice inscription.

Looks like there's still a way to go before researchers agree on a day zero for the Antikythera mechanism, then. Still, it's good to know this ancient precursor to modern tech isn't being forgotten about, even after all these years.

[GingisK]

It makes no difference if the Babbage Engine came before Turing since the Babbage Engine does satisfy the meaning of "Turing Complete", even if that was not a term used back then. The Babbage engine was PROGRAMMABLE, therefore it could be re-tasked. The Antikythera Mechanism could not be re-tasked either. This is necessary and sufficient for my premise.

I am also sure I do not compare well when stacked up against those two inventors.

[Red Badger]

"Say you wanna... witness the birth of Christ..."

Then you'd miss it by about 4 - 6 years. The 'date of Christ's birth was miscalculated by the Pope's scribe, so you would be just in time for Jesus' Bar Mitzva!....................

[Ezekiel]

"Say you wanna... witness the birth of Christ..."

Then you'd miss it by about 4 - 6 years.

It's a whole lot more than that! Good thing I'm on the ball with that one. :)