In a remarkable tribute to ancient Greek engineering, scientists and academics from the University of Sonora in northwestern Mexico have constructed a giant replica of the Antikythera Mechanism, the world’s oldest known mechanical computer. The massive model, now on public display at the university, stands over three meters tall and offers a unique, detailed view of the inner workings of this extraordinary ancient device.
According to Professor Ezequiel Rodríguez Jauregui, who spoke to El Universal, the project involved collaboration between researchers from Mexico and Greece. Thanks to computed tomography (CT) scans, the original shipwrecked and corroded mechanism was reconstructed to a significant extent. “We now know that it included eclipse predictions, tracked the Olympic Games, and functioned as a planetarium,” he said. “We’ve even managed to decipher much of its operating manual.”
Scaling Up the Ancient Marvel
The replica is not just larger—it’s ten times the size and a hundred times the mass of the original device. As Dr. Julio Saucedo Morales explained, the original mechanism, currently housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, survives in 82 fragments, none larger than the palm of a hand. The biggest surviving gears measure only one to two centimeters in diameter.
“In our version,” said Saucedo Morales, “the gears are enormous. We took into account every detail—the number of gears, their teeth, diameters—and scaled them up by a factor of ten. As a result, the overall volume and weight increased a hundredfold.”
Precision Meets Passion
To accurately replicate the mechanism, researchers used advanced tools such as X-rays and 3D imaging technologies to analyze the ancient fragments. The construction effort also included contributions from Relojes Olvera, a historic clockmaking workshop in Zacatlán de las Manzanas, Puebla, as well as universities from Greece.
“We didn’t just recreate the mechanism—we scaled it up and made it fully functional,” emphasized Professor Rodríguez Jauregui. “It’s the only working replica of the Antikythera Mechanism at this scale anywhere in the world.”
A Living Monument to Ancient Ingenuity
The Antikythera Mechanism continues to fascinate scientists, historians, and the general public alike. Dating back to around 150 BCE, this intricate device showcased an advanced understanding of astronomy and mechanical engineering—centuries ahead of its time.
Now, thanks to the dedicated work of researchers in Mexico and Greece, visitors can see this technological marvel brought back to life on a monumental scale—a celebration of human curiosity, innovation, and the enduring legacy of ancient knowledge.
