The Heavenly Writing: Divination, Horoscopy, and Astronomy in Mesopotamian Culture

Celestial phenomena in ancient Mesopotamia was observed and interpreted as signs from the gods as well as physical phenomena. Relating the various ways the heavens were contemplated and understood, this study traces the emergence of personal astrology from the tradition of celestial divination and how astronomical methodology developed for horoscopes. Its importance lies in its treatment of Babylonian celestial sciences (celestial divination, horoscopy, and astronomy) as subjects relevant to the history of science and culture.

Author: Francesca Rochberg
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 09/27/2004
Pages: 360
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.33lbs
Size: 9.14h x 6.28w x 1.02d
ISBN: 9780521830102

Review Citation(s):
Choice 04/01/2005 pg. 1421

About the Author
Rochberg, Francesca: - Francesca Rochberg is Catherine and William L. Magistretti Distinguished Professor of Near Eastern Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. She is a recipient of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Fellowship and the John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship. She is the author of Babylonian Horoscopes (1998) and Aspects of Babylonian Celestial Divination: The Lunar Eclipse Tablets of Enuma Anu Enlil (1988).