Does the History of Computers Go Back to Ancient Times?

Many people consider the history of computers to date back to the late 1960's when the ARPAnet, precursor to the Internet, was in its infancy. However, some scientists believe they've discovered what was actually an ancient computer. The artifact is known as the Antikythera Mechanism, name for the island off which divers found the 2,000 year old relic. The full capabilities of the device are still unknown, but it has been called an ancient computer because of the calculations it's believed it could perform. Scientists affirm that the primitive analog computer was conceived and constructed to calculate and illustrate data relating to astronomy.

It's not surprising that in the history of computers one would find a device dedicated to astronomical calculations. Understanding and predicting lunar phases, movement of the planets, and perhaps other celestial bodies, were of extreme importance to ancient peoples. Farmers, seamen, and nomads all relied heavily on astronomical information to know when to plant crops, how to navigate the seas and travel. Practitioners of dark arts such as witchcraft, and pagans who served idol gods by worshiping the sun, moon and other heavenly bodies also sought astronomical information.

The Antikytherea Mechanism, built around 87 B.C., has a minimum of 30 bronze gear wheels made by hand and an amazingly crafted pin-and-slot device instrumental in reporting lunar variations. A little more than 80 fragments of the device have been found, revealing the complexity of such archaic technology. The ancient computer bears more than 2,000 character inscriptions on it, many of which have been decoded, used to give data much like a monitor would do today.

The average person measures technological advances by considering electronic devices such as cell phones and notebook computers. However, it shouldn't be forgotten that as far back as the early 1900's and even further back, great inventions had already been achieved; they just weren't in the home. The telegraph, telephone, steam engine, clock, and radio can all be rightfully considered serious technology that was seen before television ever appeared in private homes.

It may sound strange in these modern times that the history of computers goes back to around 87 B.C. when the first, now ancient, computer was built. However, it may not be quite so surprising in light of the statement of a biblical scripture with which very few people are familiar. "The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done. And there is no new thing under the sun. Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? It hath been already of old time which was before us" (KJV, Ecclesiastes 1:9-10).

Sources:

John Noble Wilford
An Ancient Computer Surprises Scientists
NYTimes.com