With an estimated 40 different cogs and gears, the Antikythera mechanism is commonly referred to as the earliest known analog computer. More than 115 years after its discovery, the device, and its astronomical theories, are still being studied.
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During the 1976 expedition, the Greek Archaeological Service, which was assisted by Jacques Cousteau's Calypso, recovered a significant portion of the ship's cargo. The treasures included coins, glassware, jewellery, pottery, and the ship's lead anchor.
In addition to the artifacts, divers have discovered fragments of human remains among the wreckage. However, as expected, the remains were significantly deteriorated.
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According to reports, the recovered bones include "a partial skull with three teeth, two arm bones, several rib pieces and two femurs." The scientists are confident that the bones all belong to the same person, who is believed to be a male in his 20s.
Although the Antikythera mechanism remains the most significant object found amid the wreckage, the skeleton is significant for different reasons.
DNA specialist Hannes Schroeder said the skeleton would be tested to confirm the victim's gender. The results may also provide other information about the man's ancestry and nation of origin.
Brendan Foley, who is credited with discovering the skeleton, said he is proud to be part of the team that made the significant find. He also said he is looking forward to seeing the results from the DNA analysis.
"Now we're face to face with someone who sailed that ship, face to face with someone who might have handled the [Antikythera] mechanism... We can look through his eyes at the voyage, at the wreck, at the whole first century B.C."
The Antikythera mechanism has provided astronomers with a glimpse into ancient astronomy and theories that remain significant to this day. The recently discovered skeleton will also provide scientists with an interesting glimpse into the lives of those who perished in the Antikythera shipwreck.
[Featured Image by Michael Bogner/Shutterstock]
