[2026] PTE Academic Reading - Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers

The Antikythera mechanism is an ancient Greek hand-powered orrery, widely described as the oldest example of an analogue computer.It was discovered in 1901 among wreckage retrieved from a shipwreck off the coast of the Greek island of Antikythera.The device is a complex system of at least 30 bronze gears used to predict astronomical positions and eclipses for calendar and astrological purposes.It could also track the four-year cycle of athletic games, including the ancient Olympic Games.For decades, the true function of the mechanism remained a mystery due to its heavily corroded state.Modern imaging techniques, such as X-ray computed tomography, have allowed researchers to reveal the intricate internal workings and inscriptions.These studies confirmed that the device was capable of modeling the subtle irregularities in the moon's orbit.The level of mechanical sophistication found in the Antikythera mechanism was not seen again in Europe until the development of astronomical clocks in the 14th century.This discovery challenged previous historical assumptions about the technological capabilities of ancient Greek civilization.While its original creator remains unknown, some scholars suggest connections to the school of Archimedes or the astronomer Hipparchus.