Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Between the fifth and first century BC, calendars that compiled astronomical and meteorological information, known as parapēgmata , came to be used throughout the Greek-speaking world. In the course of the Hellenistic period, numerous such almanacs attributed to scientific authorities who operated in different regions were circulating, some of which emphasized distinct atmospheric phenomena. By ca. 100 BC at the latest, individuals and communities began combining astrometeorological parapēgmata to produce their own, including inscribed public versions. I argue that politically active citizens and doctors would have benefited from the use of these calendars within the context of the Hellenistic polis because weather was believed to have a direct impact on the collective food supply and health of communities and such documents were perceived as an invaluable tool for anticipating important atmospheric changes, determining when meteorological thresholds were crossed and building consensus for communal action taken in response.
Source: The Journal of Hellenic Studies
Author: Ruben Post
Institution: University of St Andrews
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,550
OpenAlex ID: W4413612075