Work

The exaltations of Greco-Roman astrology and their relation to Babylonian Normal Star positions

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: It is demonstrated that the longitudes of the planetary exaltations mentioned in numerous Greco-Roman and Late Antique astrological sources derive from Babylonian Normal-Star longitudes. This is achieved through a comparison between both sets of longitudes. Supporting evidence is found in the Late Babylonian astral compendium BM 36609+. The Babylonian longitudes were transferred to exaltations without significant changes, but their association with stars was discarded. The sun’s exaltation constitutes an exception, since it does not correspond to a Normal Star, but appears to have been defined in relation to the longitude of the Pleiades, which became the moon’s exaltation.

Source: Journal for the History of Astronomy

DOI: 10.1177/00218286251353245

Author: Mathieu Ossendrijver

Institution: Freie Universität Berlin

Language: English

Topic: Historical Astronomy and Related Studies

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650

Funder: H2020 European Research Council