The Antikythera Mechanism is presented at the National Archaeological Museum in an important exhibition dedicated to the shipwreck, the archaeological finds and the mechanism itself.

The Antikythera Mechanism, also known as the Antikythera astrolabe or computer, is an ancient artifact believed to have been a mechanical computer and an instrument for astronomical observation.

It was discovered in a shipwreck off Antikythera when the wreck came to light in 1900, together with dozens of treasures, bronze and marble statues and other objects recovered from the seabed by sponge divers from Symi. These finds are now presented together to the public by the National Archaeological Museum.

Based on its inscriptions, the mechanism is dated between 150 and 100 BC. For more than a century it has occupied researchers of antiquity. Many theories have been proposed about its use, but what is certain is that no similar mechanism has ever been found. Derek de Solla Price, the physicist, mathematician and historian of science who studied it, described it as the oldest surviving example of scientific technology and a find that changes our understanding of ancient Greek technology.

The mechanism is the oldest surviving geared device. It is made of bronze mounted on a wooden frame. It is considered an analog computer designed to calculate the movements of celestial bodies. It includes toothed wheels, scales, shafts and pointers. Using known astronomical laws, it indicated the position of the Sun and the Moon, perhaps also the planets. It calculated lunar phases, eclipses and the date of the ancient crown games. Greek inscriptions on its surface include a calendar and operating instructions.

The exhibition presents the mechanism together with astronomical parameters and the technology of the era, helping visitors understand its construction and use. It also presents the evolution of research, proposed interpretations of its operation and possible creators, including Posidonius of Apamea or Archimedes of Syracuse.

The exhibition "The Antikythera Shipwreck: The Ship, the Treasures, the Mechanism" includes 378 objects, among them finds from later archaeological research at the wreck site carried out in 1976 with the assistance of Jacques-Yves Cousteau's oceanographic vessel Calypso.

In addition to the mechanism, to which an entire room is devoted, the exhibits include sculpture, luxury vessels, glass, ceramics and bronze objects, jewelry, coins, ship fragments and even food remains. The exhibition takes visitors back to 50-60 BC, when time stopped for the unfortunate ship, an era when trade and the maritime transport of works of art were at their peak.

The finds date mainly from the Hellenistic period, from the late second to the early first century BC, with the exception of the bronze Youth of Antikythera, which dates to the fourth century BC.

The exhibition is co-organized by the National Archaeological Museum, the National Hellenic Research Foundation, the Antikythera Mechanism Research Project and the Society for the Study of Ancient Greek Technology. It is important both for its remarkable finds of ancient Greek art and culture and for the high level of ancient Greek technology demonstrated by the study of the famous mechanism.

The exhibition was scheduled to last until April 28, 2013. More information is available on the museum website.