Software tools for analysis and visualization of the antikythera mechanism

Abstract

The Antikythera Mechanism is not only an artifact. It is the first known geared computer that spurs interest of archaeologists, astronomers, mechanical engineers and software developers. Its high level of corrosion, make very difficult its further studies. Although, the generated data which have been produced during an international research project for the Antikythera Mechanism, are going to be public. On the other hand, the fast evolution in computer graphics area, both in hardware and software, offers to users more possibilities than a few years ago in analysis, visualization and representation. In this paper, powerful and non-commercial software packages are presented, suitable for the study of the Antikythera Mechanism, and generally, for similar artifacts of Cultural Heritage.