Is there something missing from the Antikythera Mechanism? Was it a mechanical Planetarium, positioner? or a Luni solar Time calculator device? Reconstructing the lost parts of b1 gear and its Cover Disc

TL;DR

This study reconstructs missing parts of the Antikythera Mechanism, revealing it as a luni-solar time device rather than a planetary model, through careful modeling and analysis of ancient craftsmanship.

Contribution

Reconstructed the missing b1 gear and Cover Disc, providing new insights into the Mechanism's function as a time measuring device.

Findings

Identified two essential missing indicators for operation.

Reconstructed the missing parts based on ancient craftsmanship.

Confirmed the Mechanism as a luni-solar time device.

Abstract

We present the observations and the results of our experience from a large number of flight hours in constructing, handling, testing, studying and interacting with our Antikythera Mechanism functional reconstruction models. We constructed our models according to the X Ray tomographies and without any use of modern stabilization parts (screws, nuts etc). Simple typical bronze material (not with special alloys) was used in the construction, while (most of) the gears were cut from simple bronze discs with thickness about 2mm and with triangular shaped teeth (not in modern involute shape). The bronze (not iron or steel) shafts have dimensions conforming to the original parts of the ancient artifact. The assembly of the parts was done following careful study of the Personal Constructional Characteristics and the Design Style of the ancient Craftsman, which are visible or even hidden on the Antikythera Mechanism Fragments. During the extensive use of our models, it was concluded that two important and mandatory indicators are missing from all current reconstructions of the Antikythera Mechanism. The absence of these two indicator dials makes it difficult to properly operate the Mechanism and their existence is necessary, in order for the Antikythera Mechanism to be considered as a complete and self contained operational time measuring device. The two procedures related to the (poorly) preserved remains were located on gear b1 and the lost Cover Disc of the b1 gear. The reconstruction of those missing parts was achieved by paying special attention to the Personal Constructional Characteristics of the ancient Craftsman. The extensive analysis of the Antikythera Mechanism calibrated scales leads to the understanding of the Mechanism as a luni solar time measuring device, as opposed to the notion that it was a mechanical planetarium presenting the hypothesized planetary motions and positions.