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12-05-2006, 09:06 AM
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Crazy Bearded Fool
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Rewrite the history books: Antikythera mechanism
Antikythera mechanism
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Explanation: What is it? It was found at the bottom of the sea aboard an ancient Greek ship. Its seeming complexity has prompted decades of study, although many of its functions remained unknown. Recent X-rays of the device have now confirmed the nature of the Antikythera mechanism, and discovered several surprising functions. The Antikythera mechanism has been discovered to be a mechanical computer of an accuracy thought impossible in 80 BC, when the ship that carried it sunk. Such sophisticated technology was not thought to be developed by humanity for another 1,000 years. Its wheels and gears create a portable orrery of the sky that predicted star and planet locations as well as lunar and solar eclipses. The Antikythera mechanism, shown above, is 33 centimeters high and similar in size to a large book.
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Bolded for emphasis...
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12-05-2006, 09:22 AM
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Magister Equitum
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i wonder how much it's bidding for on ebay. i don't need to upgrade my computer yet, so...
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11/22/03
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12-05-2006, 01:03 PM
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misunderestimated
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Unfortunately, due to inventory taxes, the Greeks didn't have any spares. When the ship sunk, with the schematic onboard, all of it's technology was lost. 
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12-05-2006, 01:14 PM
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Watson, Crick & A Twist
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OSU_Buckguy
i wonder how much it's bidding for on ebay. i don't need to upgrade my computer yet, so...
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"Guaranteed in Full Working Order - Buy it Now for 2,000 Talents"
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42-7
(that's all you need to say)
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12-05-2006, 01:33 PM
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burned out...
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Cut. Print. Aliens.
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12-06-2006, 03:07 AM
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Feliz Ano Nuevo!
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Although I wish I had full access to the peer-reviewed journal, this Nature article helps offer a good deal of perspective on the piece. The prominent ancient civilizations were far from being astronomically inept, it's just unfortunate that our understanding of the extent of their knowledge (or perhaps in this case, craftsmanship) is lacking.
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Last edited by WolverineTX; 12-06-2006 at 03:14 AM.
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12-06-2006, 04:25 AM
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Haole in da hills
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WolverineTX
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"Ancient" Polynesians were some of the best maritime navigators...
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