The inspiration behind the so-called "The Dial of Destiny" in the 2023 Indiana 琼斯 movie is an ancient mechanical object that scholars say provides crucial insight into ancient Greeks' understanding of astronomy at that time.
This week, the Grand Valley community has a chance to hear from one of the leading experts on the object, named the Antikythera Mechanism: Alexander 琼斯, the Leon Levy Director and Professor of the History of the Exact Sciences in Antiquity at New York University.
琼斯 will speak at 2 p.m. 4月5日 in the Mary Idema Pew Library's multipurpose room.
"One thing that we hope people will take away from Dr. 琼斯’ presentation is an appreciation of the innovative, creative spirit with which peoples of the ancient Mediterranean approached the exploration of their world," 说 Melissa Morison, GVSU 经典 Department chair.
"While the Mechanism's exact purpose and the extent of its capabilities are still the subject of ongoing research, its discovery has provided valuable insights into the technological innovation of ancient civilizations and their sophisticated understanding of the cosmos."