Join us now
Support our work in helping to rediscover Ancient Egypt. Join us now or renew your membership.
Abstract
In Egypt around 2000 BCE, some rectangular wooden coffins commissioned by wealthy residents of Middle Egypt began to include a new type of decoration. The underside of the lid contained an ordered series of star names, arranged by date throughout the year, depicting a complete explanation of the movement of key stars across the night sky. These tables collectively form a very early body of astronomical literature, apparently based on a detailed understanding of the daily and annual motion of stars. This talk traces the discovery and description of the coffins and attempts to interpret their meaning and use within the context of Egyptian funerary practices and beliefs.
About our Speaker
Our speaker's research in history of astronomy concentrates on interpreting astronomical texts and instruments from ancient Egypt and investigating how the night sky was perceived, explained, and depicted. She is the editor of the ancient Egyptian astronomy database, an online resource for scholars.
In-person Venue
University College, Room 244,
15 King's College Circle,Toronto, ON
Powered by iCagenda