Along with philosophy, there was a profusion of mathematical and scientific knowledge that came into
medieval Europe from the Islamic east—some of it was preserved from the ancient Greek and Roman
world (often with modification and commentary from Islamic scholars), and some was the direct
invention or discovery of the Muslim world; the astrolabe represents the former.
medieval Europe from the Islamic east—some of it was preserved from the ancient Greek and Roman
world (often with modification and commentary from Islamic scholars), and some was the direct
invention or discovery of the Muslim world; the astrolabe represents the former.
Often believed to be an invention of the Greeks, from whom it gets its name meaning “star taker”, the
astrolabe was a sophisticated mathematical tool, likely existing from at least the 3rd century B.C.E.,
which was used for determining the location of the user on earth by relation to the stars. Since star
patterns change depending on location, many astrolabes came with multiple chart plates for use in
different areas. Widely used by mariners, monks, doctors, etc. the astrolabe was a symbol as well as a
tool. It became common practice for them to be displayed on walls as a signal of academic
accomplishment.
astrolabe was a sophisticated mathematical tool, likely existing from at least the 3rd century B.C.E.,
which was used for determining the location of the user on earth by relation to the stars. Since star
patterns change depending on location, many astrolabes came with multiple chart plates for use in
different areas. Widely used by mariners, monks, doctors, etc. the astrolabe was a symbol as well as a
tool. It became common practice for them to be displayed on walls as a signal of academic
accomplishment.
Aside from navigation, and orientation, of the most common uses for the astrolabe was astrology.
Medieval Europe did not differentiate between astronomy and astronomy—believing that if the
position of planets affected the weather than it was perfectly logical that they also affected human
health and could be used predictively. This is why astrolabes were a common tool for medical
practitioners. However, they were widely used outside of academic circles too, though far fewer
examples of simple utilitarian astrolabes survive because they were often made of perishable materials
such as wood, or melted down for scrap. Among medieval intelligentsia astrolabes were sometimes
referred to as a mathematical jewels, and often lavishly decorated with engravings as well as actual
jewels and precious stones.
The specific artifact for this post is the earliest extant European astrolabe—which has been dated
c. 1326. Notably, this is quite a few years after infamous medieval super-nerds Abelard and Heloise
named their son Astrolabe (some 200 years!), so they were a bit ahead of the crowd in Europe; this
is not surprising though, given their academic associations. I it clear that there were astrolabes in
Europe in the early 12th century, but presumably significantly few and likely more perishable. The
above artifact is made of a copper alloy. Its plates, and the saints referenced in inscriptions, indicate
that it nearly certainly comes from England.
c. 1326. Notably, this is quite a few years after infamous medieval super-nerds Abelard and Heloise
named their son Astrolabe (some 200 years!), so they were a bit ahead of the crowd in Europe; this
is not surprising though, given their academic associations. I it clear that there were astrolabes in
Europe in the early 12th century, but presumably significantly few and likely more perishable. The
above artifact is made of a copper alloy. Its plates, and the saints referenced in inscriptions, indicate
that it nearly certainly comes from England.
"The parts of an astrolabe" Whipple Museum of the History of Science, University of Cambridge 2006-16.
Poppick, Laura. “The Story of the Astrolabe, the Original Smartphone.” Smithsonian.com,
Smithsonian Institution, 31 Jan. 2017,
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/astrolabe-original-smartphone-180961981/.
Smithsonian Institution, 31 Jan. 2017,
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/astrolabe-original-smartphone-180961981/.
“Mariner’s Astrolabe.” Ages of Exploration, https://exploration.marinersmuseum.org/object/astrolabe/.
“Astrolabes in Medieval Jewish Society.” The Warburg Institute, 29 May 2019,
https://warburg.sas.ac.uk/research/research-projects/astrolabes-medieval-jewish-society.
https://warburg.sas.ac.uk/research/research-projects/astrolabes-medieval-jewish-society.
“The Astrolabe: A Mathematical Jewel.” UC Geography,
https://geog.ucsb.edu/the-astrolabe-a-mathematical-jewel/.
https://geog.ucsb.edu/the-astrolabe-a-mathematical-jewel/.
It is sometimes crazy to think that many great inventions such as the astrolabe came out of the Middle Ages. Even though such inventions still had some odd uses such as determining health with the stars.
ReplyDeleteThis post made me think about how people in medieval society viewed their own geography because you mentioned the astrolabes functionality in different areas. I wonder what peoples perception of their land was, did they have semi-accurate maps, and how far did they stretch?
ReplyDeleteIt's so interesting to me seeing how ancient societies attempted to make the most out of limited technology. Even something recent like the slide rule, the predecessor t the calculator. Had my grandpa show me how to use that, and it's crazy to see how innovative every generation can be.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy how they created something academic, but also took the time to make it beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI found it very interesting that they displayed them as academic accomplishments. I liked how you discussed how different professions used it. Great Post!
ReplyDeleteI like how you tied this object to Abelard and Heloise pretty cool. Where is this now located?
ReplyDeleteThe pictures you included were awesome! It really helps to see the craftsmanship that such a useful device would have required, and it's always interesting to me to hear about medieval science. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI find it so cool that such an advanced tool originates from so long ago. I think most people don't think of the Middle Ages as technology advanced, but quite a few tools were invented during the medieval times. It is interesting though that they thought the position of the sun affected health, maybe that's related to how most people get colds during fall and winter.
ReplyDeleteThe most amazing thing is that the Greeks used simple devices like this and a little math to determine the circumference of the earth within, I believe, 100 miles
ReplyDeleteIt's very interesting to me the logic behind doctors using this instrument! It is amazing that this one instrument was used by many different people for a variety of things, and I can't believe how intricate and important this instrument was made in the Middle Ages.
ReplyDelete