Lost & Found: This 1,000-Year-Old Smartphone Just Dialed In
In a surprising discovery, a 1,000-year-old astrolabe has been found at the Fondazione Museo Miniscalchi-Erizzo in Verona, Italy. Astrolabes, resembling large, old-fashioned vest pocket watches, were used by celestial observers for over 2,000 years to map the heavens with remarkable precision.
The astrolabe, dating back to the 11th century, was first noticed by historian Federica Gigante from the University of Cambridge while searching online for images of a 17th-century collector’s miscellany housed in the museum. Intrigued by the mysterious object, Dr. Gigante traveled to Verona to investigate further.
Upon closer inspection, Dr. Gigante discovered Arabic inscriptions, Hebrew markings, Western numerals, and scratches that appeared to be keyed on the astrolabe. This unique combination of languages and symbols hinted at a rich history of scientific exchange between Muslims, Jews, and Christians over nearly a millennium.
By analyzing the design, construction, and calligraphy of the astrolabe, Dr. Gigante determined that it likely originated in 11th century Andalusia, where scholars from different religious backgrounds collaborated in the pursuit of science. The astrolabe’s journey through various regions was evident in the corrections and additions made to its plates, including translations of zodiac signs into Hebrew and latitude values for different locations.
Dr. Gigante likened the modifications made to the astrolabe to adding apps to a smartphone, highlighting the adaptability and versatility of this ancient scientific instrument. The discovery of this 1,000-year-old astrolabe not only sheds light on the technological advancements of the past but also underscores the interconnectedness of different cultures in the pursuit of knowledge.
