The Heavenly Writing

Francesca Rochberg

ISBN 10: 0521716616 / ISBN 13: 9780521716611

Published by Cambridge University Press, GB, 2007

About this Item

In antiquity, the expertise of the Babylonians in matters of the heavens was legendary and the roots of both western astronomy and astrology are traceable in cuneiform tablets going back to the second and first millennia BC. The Heavenly Writing, first publsiehd in 2004, discusses the place of Babylonian celestial divination, horoscopy, and astronomy in Mesopotamian intellectual culture. Focusing chiefly on celestial divination and horoscopes, it traces the emergence of personal astrology from the tradition of celestial divination and the use of astronomical methods in horoscopes. It further takes up the historiographical and philosophical issue of the nature of these Mesopotamian 'celestial sciences' by examining elements traditionally of concern to the philosophy of science, without sacrificing the ancient methods, goals, and interests to a modern image of science. This book will be of particular interest to those concerned with the early history of science.

Seller Inventory # LU-9780521716611

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Heavenly Writing
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press, GB
• Publication Date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521716616
• ISBN 13: 9780521716611
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition: Illustrated.
• Condition: New
• Dimensions: 15.24W x 2.29H x 22.86D centimeters 15.24 centimeters width by 2.29 centimeters height by 22.86 centimeters depth
• Weight: 480 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Celestial phenomena in ancient Mesopotamia was observed and interpreted as signs from the gods as well as physical phenomena. Relating the various ways the heavens were contemplated and understood, this study traces the emergence of personal astrology from the tradition of celestial divination and how astronomical methodology developed for horoscopes. Its importance lies in its treatment of Babylonian celestial sciences (celestial divination, horoscopy, and astronomy) as subjects relevant to the history of science and culture.

About the Author

Francesca Rochberg is Catherine and William L. Magistretti Distinguished Professor of Near Eastern Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. She is a recipient of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Fellowship and the John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship. She is the author of Babylonian Horoscopes (1998) and Aspects of Babylonian Celestial Divination: The Lunar Eclipse Tablets of Enuma Anu Enlil (1988).