<human>:  Why was it called the first computer?
<bot>: The first computer was called the first computer because it was the first machine that could perform calculations automatically. It was invented by Charles Babbage in 1822. Babbage was a mathematician and inventor who was interested in the idea of a mechanical computer. He designed a machine that could perform calculations using punched cards and a series of gears and levers. The machine was never built, but it was a great inspiration for later inventors.