Article ID: CBB000931520

An Essay on the Astronomical Knowledge and the Calender of the Hittites (2007-2008)

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Erginöz, Gaye Sahinbas (Author)


Osmanli Bilimi Arastirmalari: Studies in Ottoman Science
Volume: 9
Pages: 199--213


Publication Date: 2007-2008
Edition Details: [Translated title.] In Turkish.
Language: Turkish

Ancient societies, in order to record natural phenomena and social events, observed the motions of the celestial bodies. The Anatolian Hittites followed this tradition which they inherited from Mesopotamian culture. They developed certain ideas to explain the natural phenomena they could not fully comprehend. They observed the various natural phenomena including celestial bodies which they believed to reflect the ?opinions? of the Gods. The primary sources providing information on the Hittite astrology are the texts on fortune telling and the feast rituals inscribed on the clay tablets excavated at Hattusha, the capital city of the Hittites in Asia Minor. These cuneiform tablets contain astrological omens of Mesopotamian origin regarding the Moon, the Sun and the stars. Celestial observations were important for the Hittites, and they regarded their celestial observations as messages sent by the Gods. The astrological tablets witness that Hittites studied solar and lunar eclipses and interpreted these celestial events as connected to the future of their land and society. Despite the lack of sufficient information on the Hittite calendar, it has been established that it is generally in compliance with those used in Mesopotamia. The Hittite lunar calendar was closely related with seasonal changes and the agricultural life. Key words: Hittites, astronomy, astrology, calendar, festival rituals, agriculture;

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Authors & Contributors
Steele, John M.
Verderame, Lorenzo
Rochberg, Francesca
Brown, David
Reynolds, Frances
Harmansah, Ömür
Concepts
Astrology
Astronomy
Calendars
Cuneiform inscriptions
Tablets; papyri
Astronomical chronology
Time Periods
Ancient
Iron age
Places
Mesopotamia
Middle and Near East
Greece
Egypt
Rome (Italy)
Assyria
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