11th-century Astrolabe Unveils Shared Scientific Heritage of Islamic, Jewish, and Christian Cultures

A rare astrolabe discovered in Verona, Italy, etched with inscriptions in Arabic, Hebrew, and a Western language, highlights centuries of intercultural scientific collaboration.

An 11th-century Islamic astrolabe found in Verona, Italy, features inscriptions in Arabic, Hebrew, and a Western language, showcasing a rich history of cross-cultural exchange.
The astrolabe, used for calculating time and celestial positions, underscores the collaborative efforts of Muslim, Jewish, and Christian scholars across Spain, North Africa, and Italy.
Discovered by Dr. Federica Gigante of the University of Cambridge, the artifact reveals modifications and additions made by its various owners, reflecting changing scientific needs over centuries.
Inscriptions suggest the astrolabe was crafted in Al-Andalus, Spain, for specific latitudes, and later circulated among Sephardi Jewish communities, where Hebrew was used for translations.
The astrolabe's journey through different cultures and languages exemplifies the interconnectedness of human endeavors in the pursuit of scientific knowledge.