The astoundingly modern-looking ancient artifact consisted of 82 pieces, including about 30 interlocking gear wheels. Its two metal dials displayed the zodiac and the days of the year, with pointers indicating the location of the Sun, the Moon, and the five planets that were known to the Greeks at the time (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn). Often referred to as "the world's first computer," the Antikythera mechanism was actually a tool used in astronomy. The "lump" had cracked open a bit - and inside he saw gear wheels. But in 1902, one of the archaeologists examining wreckage from a sunken Greek ship from 85 B.C. The Antikythera MechanismĮlectropod/Flickr A reconstruction of the Antikythera mechanism.Īt first glance, the Antikythera mechanism looked like an innocuous lump of bronze and wood on an ancient shipwreck. With that, let's take a deeper dive into some of the more fascinating ancient artifacts from around the world. Each state has an office of preservation or a state archaeologist, and they can assist you. Unfortunately, in the U.S., if you're not an archaeologist and you find an artifact, you're required to report it. They are a valuable learning tool, and many hobbyists dream of finding a spectacular specimen themselves. Often, artifacts speak louder than written words ever could. Since many ancient peoples didn't develop a written language, these artifacts are the only clues as to how they lived, worked, and played. Perhaps you prefer reading about the Assyrians and their infamous battle cry: "I destroyed, devastated, and burned with fire."įrom the 3.3 million-year-old stone tools found in Kenya to the ancient Egyptians' treasure-filled tombs, artifacts are defined as any objects made, modified, or used by a human, anywhere in the world. Or maybe you're a fan of the prehistoric Mesopotamians, with their uncanny ability to make just about anything out of clay. Maybe you enjoy learning about ancient Egypt, with its mystic pyramids, hieroglyphics, and love of cats. Whether it's a tool or a chair, there's an ancient artifact that represents it. From practical items to magnificent artworks, humankind's ingenuity has always led us to create items we see in our imagination. While ancient times seem like they happened so long ago, some things never change - and these artifacts are all the proof you need.
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