The Ancient Greeks were even more technologically advanced than previously thought. The Antikythera mechanism, a geared device found in a shipwreck a century ago, has been recreated. Gears turn hands (or pointers) on dials, and the device is driven by a hand knob. The computer predicts the movement of the planets and is now being attributed to Archimedes.
For more on the story, watch the video (2:43 min.), go to the article in the New Scientist (12 December 2008) or read Jo Marchant’s book.