Astrolabe with Cross-Cultural Inscriptions Unearthed in Italian Museum
In a stunning discovery, an 11th-century astrolabe found in an Italian museum has been revealed to bear inscriptions in Muslim, Hebrew, and Christian languages. This remarkable artifact sheds light on the cross-cultural exchange that took place between different religions and regions during the medieval period. The astrolabe, a scientific instrument used to chart stars and other celestial bodies, has become the most important object in the collection of the Fondazione Museo Miniscalchi-Erizzo in Verona.
The discovery was made by Federica Gigante, an expert in Islamic art and scientific instruments at the University of Cambridge. After seeing a picture of the astrolabe on the museum’s website, Gigante reached out to the curators to inquire about it. The museum had not yet conducted an in-depth study of the object, making Gigante’s findings all the more significant. The Guardian described the discovery as “extraordinary,” while The Times of London hailed it as a “shining light on religious harmony.”
Upon closer examination, Gigante found Arabic and Hebrew inscriptions on the astrolabe, indicating a rare instance of cross-cultural exchange. What makes this astrolabe even more unique is the presence of Western numerals etched into the brass device as corrections. Gigante believes that these additions were made by different users over the centuries, reflecting the scientific exchange between Arabs, Jews, and Christians.
Studying the astrolabe at the museum, Gigante noticed faint inscriptions in Hebrew alongside beautifully engraved Arabic inscriptions. She described her excitement at discovering these markings, saying, “I thought I might be dreaming but I kept seeing more and more. It was very exciting.” The astrolabe, originally from Muslim-ruled Andalusia in Spain, underwent numerous modifications and adaptations as it changed hands. At least three separate users felt the need to add translations and corrections, with two using Hebrew and one using a Western language.
The astrolabe, often referred to as “the original smartphone,” was a versatile device that provided users with information about time, location, horoscopes, and decision-making. It was like a portable two-dimensional model of the universe, allowing individuals to calculate time, distances, plot the position of stars, and even forecast the future. This particular astrolabe contained Muslim prayer lines and prayer names, ensuring that its original users adhered to their daily prayer schedules.
The inscriptions on the astrolabe read, “for Isḥāq… the work of Yūnus.” These names could be the Arabic rendering of the Jewish names Isaac and Jonah, suggesting that the astrolabe was used in a Sephardi Jewish community in Spain where Arabic was spoken. Additionally, the astrolabe had a plate inscribed for North African latitudes, indicating its possible use in Morocco or Egypt.
The astrolabe’s journey through history is fascinating. It was once part of the collection of Veronese nobleman Ludovico Moscardo before passing down to the Miniscalchi family through marriage. The family established the Fondazione Museo Miniscalchi-Erizzo in 1990 to preserve their collections. Gigante emphasizes that this astrolabe represents a fusion of Islamic, Jewish, and European cultures and cannot be separated.
The discovery of this astrolabe opens up new avenues for research into the cross-cultural exchange that occurred during the medieval period. It serves as a powerful testament to the scientific collaboration between different religious communities over hundreds of years. The astrolabe’s intricate inscriptions and adaptations provide valuable insights into the interconnectedness of cultures and the pursuit of knowledge across borders.
As this remarkable artifact takes its rightful place as the centerpiece of the Fondazione Museo Miniscalchi-Erizzo’s collection, it invites visitors to reflect on the rich history of cross-cultural exchange and the harmonious coexistence of different religious traditions. The astrolabe serves as a reminder that even in times of division, there have always been individuals and communities willing to bridge gaps and foster understanding.