Ancient astronomical device

[Tonchi]

The History Channel report on the Antikythera Mechanism was part of a series on the lost technology of ancient civilizations. Included in their investigations were several well known scientists of the ancient world, some of whose writings survived but mostly are known today by their reputation. As Jebediah said, the tragic loss of the Great Library of Alexandria deprived the world of science and engineering which was not reinvented for a millenium. One of them, a Greek, had actually invented the steam engine but did not know what would be a practical application for it so it just became a toy to amuse guests and rulers with. Mechanical clocks, vending machines, toy menageries, "speaking" statues, and doors which opened automatically were all known to the Greeks, Romans, and some of the major cities of their colonies in the Middle East. History Channel has shown some fascinating and well-researched reports on these.