Studies in Babylonian lunar theory. III: The introduction of the uniform zodiac (Q610712): Difference between revisions

This paper continues the examination of the Babylonian mathematical lunar theories called Systems A and B, given by the author in [Arch. Hist. Exact Sci. 61, No. 2, 83--145 (2007; Zbl 1128.01003) and 63, No. 4, 357--431 (2009; Zbl 1181.01004)], respectively. In order to quantitatively describe the variations of lunar positions at syzygies, a uniform scale in the ecliptic is required - which was provided by the uniform zodiac of twelve signs of 30 degrees each. First, the author investigates the difference between Babylonian sidereal longitudes and modern tropical longitudes. Such an investigation had been done by P. Huber in 1958, but since then the data available have increased very much. The difference found is 3.20 , essentially confirming Huber's result. Next, the placement of this sidereal Babylonian zodiac relative to the fixed stars is considered. Since well-established constellations were already present along the ecliptic, they had to be taken into account when arranging and naming the zodiacal signs. The author approximately finds the boundaries of constellations by means of the names of stars described as belonging to them. These do not naturally conform to 30-degree segments; the segments (zodiacal signs) were named after the predominant constellation within them. In three cases, stars of a constellation were conveniently located for fixing the end of a zodiacal sign; they were also separated from alpha Tauri and alpha Scorpii in such a way that these two bright stars came to sit exactly in the midpoint of their signs. In Greek texts, this mid -sign position of alpha Tauri and alpha Scorpii is also mentioned. Finally, the date of the introduction of the zodiacal signs is discussed. Contrary to earlier statements (including his own), the author shows that in texts prior to -408 no certain reference to zodiacal signs can be found; all can be understood to refer to single stars or to constellations (of different size). The first certain use of zodiacal signs can be dated to -394; further, an early theoretical text similar to System A which uses them can be dated to -397. Some texts containing positions of planets using the zodiacal signs refer to the fifth century BC; but they were certainly composed after -400. It therefore seems that the uniform zodiac was invented in the years around -400. (To the excursus in footnote 32 can be added the thorough discussion of the scribal family of Mushezib by \textit{J. Oelsner} in S. Graziani (ed.), \textit{Studi sul Vicino Oriente antico dedicati alla memoria di Luigi Cagni} (Napoli 2000) 797-814).