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EXMYSTIKA: Calculating machines of antiquity

How do the advanced cultures of antiquity calculate? With our sometimes strange-looking number systems, the computer experts of their time develop advanced methods for calculating distances, quantities and even planetary orbits. From Sumerian clay tablets to the antikythera mechanism to the Roman abacus - the mathematical achievements of antiquity exceed our imagination.

This film shows various calculation aids that were used at the time, and highlights alternative methods in dealing with the legacy devices. How did our ancestors calculate the world with a few little balls?

A look at the development of mathematical tools from the Stone Age to late antiquity.

  • Pierre Dietz
    Director
  • Pierre Dietz
    Writer
  • Pierre Dietz
    Producer
  • Pierre Dietz
    Key Cast
    "Speaker"
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    EXMYSTIKA: Rechenmaschinen der Antike
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    6 minutes 51 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 25, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    0 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Germany
  • Country of Filming:
    Germany
  • Language:
    German
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16::9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Pierre Dietz

Filme / Movies
Der Tempel Salomons und die Dschinn, 2023, Dokumentarfilm 32 Minuten
Briefe aus der Deportation, 2012, Dokumentarfilm 60 Minuten

Kurzfilme / Shortfilms
Die erste Götterschlacht, 2025
Die Tafelrunde des Uther, 2025
Rechenmaschinen der Antike, 2025
Die Buchstaben der Kelten, 2025
Die Entdeckung der Gralsburg, 2024
Die Landebahnen von Carnac, 2024
The New ELDORADO, 2018, 3D
Cosmic Crump, 2014, 3D und Realbild
Clan Quest, 2010, 3D und Realbild
Axolotl, 2010, 3D und Realbild
Sonnenschutzfaktor, 2005, 3D-Animation
Snowball, 2004, 3D-Animation
Die Raupe, die im Apfel sass..., 2004, Flash
Als die Bilder laufen lernten, 2002, 3D-Animation
Wecke den schlafenden Weihnachtsmann, 2000, Flash
Der Faustkeil, 2000, Director
Die Brennstoffzelle, 2000 für Adam Opel AG, 3D-Animation
Aktive Kopfstütze, 1999 für Adam Opel AG, 3D-Animation

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

There are no legends, only misunderstood technology