Understanding the mysteries behind the world’s first calculating device developed by the ancient Greeks has been one of the hardest tasks for scientists. Known as the Antikythera Mechanism, the device was constructed around the end of the 2nd Century BC with the purpose of calculating and displaying celestial information, such as the phases of the moon or a luni-solar calendar.

But a recent study published by scientists from the Antikythera Mechanism Research Project (AMRP) in the journal Nature revealed a new possible use for the device. The functions of this technically complex device have been hard to establish due to the fact that its gears and inscriptions on the surface are only fragmentary.

But with the help of surface imaging and high-resolution X-ray scanning, the team of scientists uncovered an amazing fact about what they thought to be an astronomical device only: in addition to tracking the positions of the planets, or the phases of the moon, the device was also used to track the cycles between the Olympic Games, which were held by tradition every four years.

The bronze mechanism is covered with astronomical inscriptions and has a five-twist spiral dial, inscribed with 235 markings, which are believed to indicate the months of a 19-year calendar. The mechanism was also used to predict eclipses based on an 18-year eclipse cycle, known as the Saros Cycle.

The text near the Lower Black Dial indicates geographical references, which suggested an eclipse function for the dial. The Front Dial displays the position of the Sun and Moon in the Zodiac, as well as a corresponding 365-day calendar, adjustable for leap years. The Upper Back Dial has five concentric rings with 47 divisions per turn, showing the 19-year Metonic Cycle. The Upper Subsidiary Dial was found to display the 76-year Calliptic Cycle.

According to inscriptions from the Back Door of the wooden-framed case in which the mechanism was found, scientists confirmed that the dial was in fact a spiral made from semicircular arcs displaced to two centers of the vertical midline. A “Pointer-Follower” device traveled around the spiral groove to indicate the month to be read, across all five turns of the scale.

A closer analysis revealed a smaller dial inside the Metonic Cycle indicated the locations of the Panhellenic games, which included four different sports events held in Ancient Greek. The Olympic Games became the most prestigious of all, and they were held every four years in the honor of Zeus.

Alexander Jones, who contributed to the study, explained that the Antikythera Mechanism was built after Archimedes’ death, but it is possible to be a descendent of his invention. The writings of Roman philosopher Cicero come to support the theory that Archimedes was the author of a similar invention.

The fact that the device was used for more than just for astronomic observations shows that it may have been useful to regular people, not only scholars. The Antikythera Mechanism is a combination of ingenuity of design and practical use, turning it into one of the most extraordinary devices of the ancient world.