Babylonian astronomy
Babylonian astronomy, practiced around 2000 to 500 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia, involved careful observation of celestial bodies like the Moon, stars, and planets. The Babylonians developed a sexagesimal (base-60) number system, allowing them to create advanced calendars and predict celestial events. They recognized patterns in the sky, leading to the identification of celestial cycles and the concept of zodiac signs. Their knowledge was recorded on clay tablets, which contributed to future astronomical studies. This pioneering work laid the foundation for later civilizations, blending science, astrology, and timekeeping in ways that shaped the understanding of the cosmos.
Additional Insights
-
Babylonian astronomy, practiced by the ancient Babylonians around 2000 BCE, involved systematic observations of celestial bodies like the Moon, Sun, planets, and stars. They developed a sophisticated understanding of astronomical phenomena through meticulous records, leading to the creation of the zodiac and a lunisolar calendar. Their work included predicting lunar eclipses and tracking planetary movements, which significantly influenced later civilizations. Babylonian astronomers also used a base-60 numerical system, contributing to modern timekeeping (60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour). Overall, their contributions laid foundational principles for the field of astronomy.