The ancient Sumerians didn’t have quite as developed an astrological system as the later Babylonians, but they no doubt had some similar beliefs.
Fun fact (picked this up while researching one of my novels): The Babylonians were great accumulators of astronomical data, but they wanted to make it conform to their preconceived notions. The sun (as seen from earth) actually passes through thirteen constellations, so there should have been a thirteen-sign zodiac. But the Babylonians wanted astrology to conform to their twelve-month calendar, so they just ignored one of the signs (Ophiucus, the snake charmer). Also, the sun doesn’t spend the same amount of time in each sign, but the Babylonians wanted each sign to be equivalent to a thirty-day month in their calendar. As a result, they ignored the differences in length and made the sun inhabit each sign for exactly the same amount of time.
They had the ability to make accurate observations but the will to ignore those observations when it suited them.
Yes, an interesting anticipation of what was to come…
Although we think of Lebanon as the primary source for cedarwood, statements in other Sumerian and early Akkadian literature suggest that the cedar forest being thought of by the Sumerians is actually one in what is now Iran—a forest that ceased to exist long ago.
Another odd thing—ancient Greek heroes killed monsters who were menaces in some way, at least for the most part. Gilgamesh cuts down a god-appointed guardian. Killing the Bull of Heaven is more understandable, but he’s essentially solving a problem which he caused in the first place.
GRACIAS Y FELICES EVERYWHERE AND NOWHERE
FELICES BILL HIATT
Coincidentally, saw this in the NYT today.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/24/science/omens-babylonians-tablets-eclipses.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Fk4.P1D4.gunhGBQeaPjW&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare&sgrp=c-cb
Interesting!
The ancient Sumerians didn’t have quite as developed an astrological system as the later Babylonians, but they no doubt had some similar beliefs.
Fun fact (picked this up while researching one of my novels): The Babylonians were great accumulators of astronomical data, but they wanted to make it conform to their preconceived notions. The sun (as seen from earth) actually passes through thirteen constellations, so there should have been a thirteen-sign zodiac. But the Babylonians wanted astrology to conform to their twelve-month calendar, so they just ignored one of the signs (Ophiucus, the snake charmer). Also, the sun doesn’t spend the same amount of time in each sign, but the Babylonians wanted each sign to be equivalent to a thirty-day month in their calendar. As a result, they ignored the differences in length and made the sun inhabit each sign for exactly the same amount of time.
They had the ability to make accurate observations but the will to ignore those observations when it suited them.
This was great. It’s interesting that the deforestation and the drying of the landscape matches the environmental history of the region.
Yes, an interesting anticipation of what was to come…
Although we think of Lebanon as the primary source for cedarwood, statements in other Sumerian and early Akkadian literature suggest that the cedar forest being thought of by the Sumerians is actually one in what is now Iran—a forest that ceased to exist long ago.
Another odd thing—ancient Greek heroes killed monsters who were menaces in some way, at least for the most part. Gilgamesh cuts down a god-appointed guardian. Killing the Bull of Heaven is more understandable, but he’s essentially solving a problem which he caused in the first place.
That was my next question, which came first? Maybe this was the eco-fiction of its day!
Bill- Gilgamesh has always been an epic ancient tale. I appreciate this reminder in your piece. Hope you're well this week. Cheers, -Thalia
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it.