Google doodle celebrates Antikythera Mechanism’s discovery

The search engine giant Google dedicated its doodle to honour the 115th anniversary of the discovery of the Antikythera Mechanism on Wednesday. It is believed to be the world's first known analog computer with a sketch doodle.

“ Today's Doodle illustrates how a rusty remnant can open up a skyful of knowledge and inspiration, ”Google said.

In 1902, it was salvaged by Greek archaeologist Valerios Stais while shifting through some artifacts from a shipwreck at Antikythera.

The corroded chunk of metal turned out to be part of the Antikythera Mechanism, an ancient analogue astronomical computer used to track planetary positions, predict eclipses and even signalled the next Olympic Games.

The mechanism initially dated around 85 BC, was suggested to be even older—about 150 BC—by recent studies.

The crank-powered device was way ahead of its time—its components are as intricate as those of some 18th-century clocks.

Currently, the mechanism is being kept at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, historians continue to ponder the Antikythera Mechanism's purpose and inner workings.