207-235

• Μαραβέλιας, Σέργιος Εμμ.

In the present paper (which is, so far as we know, the first extended scientific attempt towards the presentation of the ancient Egyptian astronomy in Greece), an introduction is given to the genesis, the evolution and the applications of astronomy in the Nile valley, supplemented by rich bibliographical references to this very theme. After a short introduction, a brief reference is given of the primitive astronomical and cosmogonical conceptions of the Egyptians, connected to their mythology and religion. A presentation of their ideas about the stars, the planets, the sun and moon, follows together with their perceptions of the constellations and astrology. Then the main astronomical applications made by the Egyptians are discussed, with emphasis on two topics: (i) the orientation of the temples and pyramids; and (ii) their calendrical system, adjacently related to the Sothic cycle, with its inherent discrepancies. The applications of astronomy in ancient Egypt are briefly discussed, and the conclusion put forward is that never did it reach the grounds of pure science or practiced per se before the Ptolemaic era, where the Hellenic reason prevailed and started to erect the basis of modern science.

• History and Archaeology
• Physical sciences

• Ιστορία, Αρχαία
• Επιστήμη και πολιτισμός

Περιέχει εικόνες, σχήματα, πίνακα και σημειώσεις, Μνήμη Παναγιώτου Κ. Γεωργούντζου