Astrolabe zodiac. Zodiac on the obverse side of a brass astrolabe from the middle ages. The twelve signs of the zodiac are drawn in a semi-circle in t

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Astrolabe zodiac. Zodiac on the obverse side of a brass astrolabe from the middle ages. The twelve signs of the zodiac are drawn in a semi-circle in the lower frame. This zodiac was used to analyse the positions of the stars in order to make predictions about future events on Earth. It was used in conjunction with the astrolabe, a device which measured star positions. During the middle ages it was considered as important to make interpretations (astrology) of the positions of stars and planets as it was to observe them. Image of an Islamic zodiac from the period 1350-1450. Arab scholars were at this time amongst the most scientifically-advanced people in the world.

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Size: 3877px × 4751px
Photo credit: © DAVID PARKER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: arab, astrolab, astrolabe, astrology, astronomical, astronomy, brass, equipment, historical, history, instrument, medieval, zodiac