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World's Oldest Computer Reproduced (In Stop-Motion!) With LEGO

by Warren Riddle on December 10, 2010 at 12:00 PM

Nerds, kids and kids-at-heart love to assemble LEGO duplications of modern objects, particularly items that possess technological relevance. Despite that interwoven relationship between the tiny plastic toys and complex scientific creations, LEGO engineers have apparently ignored one seminal machine that might be the oldest computer ever crafted by human hands. Well, Apple engineer and LEGO-master Andrew Carol recently rectified that omission when he constructed a plastic duplication of the famed Antikythera Mechanism.

The ancient device, which dates back 2,000 years, allegedly performed astronomical functions, and served as a calendar of sorts. Carol astoundingly and effectively recreated the machine's incredibly intricate system of gears, and Digital Science has produced an enthralling stop-motion video detailing the LEGO version of the machine. So, watch the video after the break for an enlightening lesson in toys, engineering, science and history. And, if you want to fully immerse yourself in the elaborate details and terminology (including "cross-bracing," the "optimal layout of gears" and its "eclipse predictions") make sure to read the corresponding in-depth interview with Mr. Carol himself.

Tags: AndrewCarol, AntikytheraMechanism, astronomy, LEGO, LegoReplica, science, top, toys

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