Antikythera Mechanism vs the Wallingford Clock

By: Torstein Colyer VCDF 130 Section 75 Instructor: Wayne A. Williams It is accepted that cultures of similar societal structure, environment and resources will produce similar reactions to these forces. When comparing the Antikythera Mechanism (150-100 BCE) and The Wallingofrd clock (1327-1357 AE), a separation of 1400 years, and differences in size and materials would belie any similarity outside of their link as geared astrolabes. These differences are moot, once their secondary message is examined: a message of prestige and power. The Hellenistic period is widely considered the final chapter in the history of ancient Greek culture. During this period the amalgamation of oriental culture into the Greek way of life produced a significant shift from the ideals that preceded it: despotism supplanted democracy as the chosen form of rule, and profit superseded small-scale production. This new form of rule for the Greek populace also brought about a change from simplicity and arête to defeatism, verbose art, and opulence of life style. Despite this complete change in ideals the new form of Greek society still looked nostalgically on the Classical era and its accomplishments. The medieval era shared many of the core Hellenistic characteristics. In ruling the population despotism took the form of feudalism. This is the division of land from the king to opulent noblemen who in turn manage the property with serfs who were life bound to the land. Education was relegated to only the rich and the clergy; it was very uncommon for a peasant to obtain any sort of formal education, with the exclusion of learning a trade. Though anyone could join the clergy and obtain an education in the process. Wars and disease were rampant during this era; even Robert Wallingford the creator of St. Alban’s clock suffered from leprosy. Not only was the church the educational and moral guide, but it also controlled and profited from vast amounts of

Bibliography: 42-45 Merchant, Jo (2010) Decoding the heavens Philidelphia, PA: Da Capo Press North, John (2005) God’s clockmaker London, England: Continuum Second ed.