The older than any other known case, according to Jones. He continued, “We have a lot of horoscopes that are written down as a kind of document on papyrus or on a wall but none of them as old as this. It’s also older than any written-down horoscopes that we have from the Greco-Roman civilization.”
The discovery was published in the most current issue of the Journal for the History of Astronomy by Jones and StaoForenbaher, a researcher with the Institute for Anthropological Research in Zagreb.
Forenbaher told LiveScience that in 1999, the crew was excavating close to the entrance of the Croatian cave, a location well-known to archaeologists and residents of the surrounding village of Nakovana who simply referred to it as “Spila,” which translates to “the cave.”
However, no one was aware at the time that a portion of the cave had been closed off more than 2,000 years prior. Forenbaher’s then-girlfriend dug through the debris and found a broad, low tube that extended for over 33 feet in the dark (10 meters). “The unique King Tut experience, coming to a spot where nobody has been for a couple of thousand years,” was how Forenbaher put it when describing entering the corridor.
Forenbaher recalled that when he first entered the cavern, “there was a very thin limestone crust on the surface that was splitting under your boots, which meant that nobody walked there in a very, very, long time.”
It had been blocked off in the first century B.C., presumably in reaction to a Roman military campaign against the locals, the researchers would later discover.
When the archaeologists looked further, they discovered a stalagmite with a phallic shape, as well as several drinking containers that had been accumulated over a long period of time. Forenbaher recalled that during the excavation, “these incredibly minute bits and pieces of ivory came up, and we didn’t even know what we had at the time.”
The group got to work. Years of piecing them together, discovering further tidbits, and determining what they were, according to Forenbaher, followed. Finally, they came to a point where they were staring at the charred remains of the oldest known astrological board.
The board’s origin and how it got to the cave are both unknown to archaeologists. The Babylonians created their own kind of horoscopes about 2,400 years ago, which is when astrology first emerged in antiquity.
Then, about 2,100 years ago, astrology began to expand throughout the eastern Mediterranean and gained popularity in Egypt, which was then ruled by a dynasty of Greek monarchs.
The current type of astrology, which is what we typically refer to as the Greek style of astrology, is considerably modified, according to Jones. The Greek tradition served as the basis for astrology throughout the Middle Ages and into contemporary Europe, contemporary India, and other regions.
The ivory used to produce the zodiac images was created around 2,200 years ago, just before the advent of this new system of astrology, according to radiocarbon dating.
Egypt is a possibility, although researchers are unsure about the board’s manufacturing location. They believe that the ivory itself came from an elephant that was slaughtered or passed away in the nearby area. Given its value, the ivory would have been kept in storage for a long timepossibly even a centurybefore being used to create the zodiac. The board, which might have had other components that perished, would have been made by attaching these signs to a flat (perhaps wooden) surface.
It might have at some stage been loaded onto a ship sailing over the Adriatic Sea, a significant trade route that the cave looks out on. Illyrians were the name given to the inhabitants of Croatia at the time. Although they were generally denigrated by ancient writers, archaeological evidence indicates that they interacted with surrounding Greek colonies and played an important role in the Mediterranean region.
It’s probable that a Greek colony astrologer visited the cave to make a forecast. Although it might not have been practical for the astrologer, a session done under the flickering light of the cavern would have been a potent experience.
Jones said that it didn’t seem like a very practical location for performing astrological homework, such as computing planetary placements.
Another hypothesis is that the Illyrians did not completely comprehend the use of the astrology board and traded or stole it from someone. The board and the drinking utensils would have been offered to an unknown deity who was worshipped in the cave at that point.
Forenbaher stated that there is “certainly a probability” that the astrologer’s board appeared as an offering alongside other unique items that were either purchased or looted from a passing ship. He emphasized how meticulously selected drinking containers were discovered in the cave. Only a few specimens of simpler amphora storage vessels were discovered with them, and these were constructed elsewhere.
According to Forenbaher, “it nearly seems like someone was bringing out wine there, pouring it, and then throwing the amphora away because they weren’t good enough for the gods or to be placed in the sanctuary.”
The phallic-shaped stalagmite, which may have formed naturally there, appears to have served as a focal point for both these rites and the offerings made in the cavern. Forenbaher said that while all stalagmites exhibit certain phallic characteristics, it can be challenging to interpret their significance for the inhabitants of the cave. It undoubtedly had significant meaning, he added.
This is a location where valuable items that were once kept locally were given to a supernatural force, transcendental being, or whatever.
In This Article...
Who made the zodiac signs first known?
Astrology is the study of celestial body motions and alignments that are thought to have an impact on both the natural world and human affairs. The 12 zodiac signs, one of the earliest ideas in astrology, were developed by the Babylonians around 1894 BC.
Where did the signs of the zodiac come from?
During the early half of the first millennium BC, Babylonian astronomy is where the zodiacal signs were originally divided into sections of the ecliptic. The MUL.APIN catalogue, which was created circa 1000 BC, is one of the early Babylonian star catalogues that the zodiac takes stars from. Other constellations, such as Gemini “The Twins,” from MA.TAB.BA.GAL.GAL “The Great Twins,” and Cancer “The Crab,” from AL.LUL “The Crayfish,” can be traced even further back, to Bronze Age (First Babylonian dynasty) origins.
Which prehistoric societies consulted astrology?
The scattered ruins of the ancient Egyptian and Babylonian civilizations provide the first records of systematic astronomical or astrological observation and interpretation. The first indications of the formation of astronomy and astrology in the modern era, which are distinct representatives of science and pseudoscience, respectively, show that they have a shared foundation in man’s need and search to comprehend the motions of the celestial sphere. Evidence also points to an early and strong desire to connect Earthly daily life to the stars and to create a cosmologyan knowledge of the universe’s creation, structure, and developmentthat closely connected human society to a coherent and understandable cosmos.
Are Zodiacs Egyptian in origin?
Egyptian astrology has 12 signs, just like the western zodiac. Egyptian astrology, on the other hand, gives each sign a particular day of the month. Except for the Nile, the ancient Egyptians called the signs of the zodiac after their gods and goddesses. It was thought that the personality of a person born under a particular sign was determined by the character of the deity or goddess. Let’s examine the Egyptian zodiac signs in more detail.
Nile
The Nile, which was the lifeblood of the ancient Egyptians, inspired the first sign of the zodiac. The only symbol that does not stand for a deity is this one. The ancient Egyptians thought those born under this sign were calm, reasonable, and sensible. They actively work to maintain harmony around them because they dislike conflict. They are as wise as they are passionate, despite the fact that occasionally their passions might affect them. They have good observational skills, which aids in the growth of intuition.
Amun-Ra
The second sign of the Egyptian zodiac is Amun-Ra. Amon-Ra is regarded as the monarch of the gods and one of the most potent Egyptian astrological symbols in ancient Egyptian astrology. Those who were born under this sign tend to be pleasant, optimistic, and self-assured. They make effective leaders because they can keep everything under control, make wise decisions, and lead effectively.
Mut
The third sign of the Egyptian zodiac is Mut, the female divinity in charge of guarding humanity and the mother of the world. This sign is characterized by sensitivity, affection, loyalty, and generosity in those born under it. These people are frequently exceedingly goal-oriented and laser-focused. They tend to be devoted parents and are fiercely protective of others.
Geb
Geb, the Egyptian god of the soil, represents the fourth sign in Egyptian astrology. His laughing, according to the ancient Egyptians, was the cause of earthquakes. The Geb people are devoted, honest, and perceptive. They occasionally appear to be too emotional, yet this simply draws in more individuals. These friends can be counted on. Despite their propensity towards shyness, they are rather tenacious when necessary.
Osiris
Osiris, named after the deity of the afterlife and resurrection, is the fifth zodiac sign in Egyptian astrology. Strong, clever, vulnerable, and independent traits characterize those born under this potent sign. generally develop into powerful leaders. The Osiris people can overcome very few challenges in order to achieve their objectives. They can be harsh and self-centered at times, but they always say what they mean.
Isis
Isis is the sixth sign in the Egyptian zodiac. The goddess of nature is Isis. This zodiac sign’s natives are straightforward and honest. They have a great sense of humor and are sociable and romantic. The members of Isis possess all the key personality qualities for effective teamwork.
Thoth
The name of the seventh sign in the Egyptian zodiac, Thoth, comes from the god of knowledge and wisdom. The Egyptian horoscope describes people born under this sign as passionate, sage, vivacious, and brave. They are always looking for methods to get better. The Thoth people are incredibly creative and like learning.
Horus
Horus, one of the most potent zodiac signs, is the sky god. The inhabitants of Horus are bold, aspirational, and upbeat. They make sensible, intelligent leaders who inspire and motivate people. Horus sign natives are dedicated workers that get along well with others.
Anubis
Anubis, the god of mummification and keeper of the afterlife, is ascribed the ninth sign in Egyptian astrology. This zodiac sign’s natives are self-assured and inquisitive. The Anubis people are incredibly creative and talented, but because they tend to be introverted, they work best alone.
Seth
Seth is the tenth sign in the Egyptian zodiac. The deity of mayhem and violence is Seth. Seth is the Egyptian astrological sign of the daring and fastidious. They enjoy being the center of attention, look for challenges, and are excellent communicators.
Bastet
Bastet is a female zodiac sign and the goddess of cats, pleasure, and fertility. The Bastet people constantly seek harmony and steer clear of violence. They have endearing, compassionate, and sensitive dispositions and can always be counted on to have strong intuition. They are faithful and caring partners.
Sekhmet
Meet Sekhmet, the 12th sign of the Egyptian zodiac, at last. The goddess of war is Sekhmet. Those born under this sign have a dual personality: on the one hand, they are disciplined, and on the other, they are free and laid back. They have a strong sense of justice and are perfectionists.
The Babylonians created the zodiac for what purpose?
Astronomy and astrology were one and the same in antiquity. Babylon is credited with developing modern astrology. The idea that the fate of humans on earth is determined by the motions of the stars and planets and the idea that the Gods in the heavens preside over man’s destiny led to the development of this belief. The earth’s rotation around the sun, which results in the sun moving eastward against the background of the constellations, the planets and moon moving around the sky, and the constellations rising at different times of the year, is the primary cause of the movements of the stars and planets.
The Biblical phrase “hosts of heaven for the starry world” beautifully captures the idea held by the Babylonian astrologers, according to Morris Jastrow. The moon, planets, and stars formed an army that was constantly engaged in military operations that were the result of careful planning and had a specific objective in mind. The priestthe bdru, or “inspector,” as the astrologer and the “inspector of the liver was calledhad the responsibility of ascertaining this goal. To accomplish this, a system of interpretation developed that was less logical and complex than the system of hepatoscopy (liver divination), but still worthy of note as an illustration of both men’s pitiful desire to see inside the minds of the gods and the influence Babylonian-Assyrian astrology had on the ancient world. This astrology, which the Greeks accepted and integrated with Greek ways of thinking and ways of living, was passed down from generation to generation through the Middle Ages and right up to the dawn of modern science. But before we talk about this idea and its interpretation, let’s have a look at the celestial bodies that Babylonian and Assyrian astrologers paid particular attention to.
Babylonian Astrology and Constellations
The 12 zodiacal signs were first described by the Babylonians, who also used mythology to explain stars and astrology. The Babylonian astrological system was improved by the Egyptians, and the Greeks gave it its current configuration. Some of the myths that the Greeks and Romans created and took from the Babylonians. The Greek word for “star” is where the words “astrology” and “astronomy” come from.
Due to the significance of the animals and other creatures chosen, many of the constellations’ names and shapes are said to have originated with the Sumerians. It is believed that creatures like ibises, jackals, crocodiles, and hippos would have been present in their environment if the constellations were created by the Egyptians rather than goats and bulls. Why are there no tigers or monkeys if they are from India? The constellation Capricorn was known to the Assyrians as “munaxa” (the goat fish).
The constellations were given hero names by the Greeks. These were taken by the Romans, who gave them the Latin names we still use today. 48 constellations were listed by Ptolemy. His list includes celestial bodies that the Mesopotamians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans could not see, such as those in the southern hemisphere.
What is said about astrological signs in the Bible?
I believe that astrology was a tool God created for us to use as a spiritual tool and to better understand ourselves. I believe that astrology is supported by a number of biblical scriptures. I concentrate on what Jesus taught as a Christian. When Christ prophesied in Luke 21:25, “There shall be signs in the sun, moon, and stars,” he was referring to the significance of astrology. He talks to the disciples about the significance of astrology and how it might be interpreted as a sign of his coming back. Why would Jesus provide us this crucial information if we aren’t intended to interpret planetary energies and zodiacal signs and if he actually opposed it? Jesus warned us that there will be signals in the sky upon his return, just as the three wise men understood that Jesus would be born under the star in the sky that guided them to him lying in the manger.
Greek mythology underlies the zodiac.
Numerous astrological ideas, including the zodiac signs, have their origins in Greek mythology. The stars and constellations in the night sky captivated the ancient Greeks. By associating a god or goddess with each sign of the zodiac, they gave the universe a profound significance.
Greek or Roman astrology is it?
Greek and Roman society placed a strong emphasis on astrology. Grasp religion, politics, and science in the Greek and Roman empires fully requires an understanding of astrology’s claims, practices, and worldview. The concept that the stars, planets, and other celestial phenomena have importance and meaning for events on Earth is the foundation of a variety of techniques collectively referred to as astrology. It makes the assumption that there is a connection between Earth and the sky and that all existencespiritual, psychological, and physicalis interrelated. A type of astrology is practiced in most ancient societies. In Mesopotamia throughout the first and second millennia, a particularly sophisticated variant of it developed.