Ancient Egyptian Star Charts

The egyptian zodiac recognized many of the same basic constellations, but they were imagined to be in different shapes than the ones common today. Unfortunately, considerable parts of the planisphere on this tablet are missing (approximately 40%), damage which dates to the sacking of nineveh. What in the world was their purpose?

Zodiac ceiling of the temple of dendera, egypt. The presence of stone circles at nabta playa in upper egypt dating from the 5th millennium bce show the importance of astronomy to the religious life of ancient egypt even in the prehistoric period. The artifact was translated over ten years ago with computer software that helped scientists simulate trajectories and reconstruct the night sky thousands of years ago.

In older examples, the drawing has rounder ends and the center is marked by two concentric rings.

The oldest accurately dated star chart appeared in ancient egyptian astronomy in 1534 bc. The nile is tolerant and highly pragmatic. Egyptian astrology is composed of 12 signs. Each astrology sign is symbolized by an egyptian god with the exception of the nile.