Unveiling the mystery of ancient Rome's most famous astrology book

Tetrabiblos - the classic work of astrologer Claudius Ptolemy - is a valuable document for studying how ancient people understood the universe and their relationship to it.

TB (general)/TT&CS

11:02 - 12/16/2024

Tetrabiblos - the classic work of astrologer Claudius Ptolemy - is a valuable document for studying how ancient people understood the universe and their relationship to it.

1. The meaning of the name "Tetrabiblos". The name Tetrabiblos in Greek means "four books", reflecting the structure of the work, which is divided into four main parts. Photo: Pinterest.

2. A sequel to the Almagest. Tetrabiblos was written as a practical “supplement” to the Almagest, Ptolemy’s other famous work on astrology . Photo: Pinterest.

3. Ptolemy did not invent astrology. Ptolemy did not invent astrology; he merely systematized and rationalized knowledge from earlier civilizations such as Babylon and Greece. Photo: Pinterest.

4. The Foundation of Western Astrology. Tetrabiblos is considered the theoretical foundation for Western astrology , providing the basic principles of how planets, zodiac signs, and astronomical elements affect people and the world . Photo: Pinterest.

5. Written in the 2nd century. Tetrabiblos was written around the 2nd century, when Ptolemy lived in Alexandria, a major intellectual center of the ancient world. Photo: Pinterest.

6. Combining philosophy and practice. The work is not only practical but also deals with philosophical principles, bridging astronomy and astrology. Photo: Pinterest.

7. The "planetary influence" theory. Tetrabiblos theorized that planets influence Earth through radiation and physical interactions, such as gravity and light. Photo: Pinterest.

8. Not a detailed prediction. Ptolemy focused on general principles rather than providing detailed predictions, emphasizing the scientific application of astrology. Photo: Pinterest.

9. Influence on ancient medicine. Tetrabiblos linked astronomical elements to human health, laying the foundation for astrological medicine, which was popular during the Middle Ages. Photo: Pinterest.

10. Divide astrology into two parts. Ptolemy divided astrology into two main branches: 1 Natural astrology - Study of climate, crops, earthquakes; 2 - Personal astrology - Study of the impact of planets on human life. Photo: Pinterest.

11. Use the house system. Tetrabiblos refers to the astrological house system, each house represents an aspect of life, such as health, finances, family. Photo: Pinterest.

12. The elements of nature. Ptolemy associated the elements of fire, water, earth, and air with zodiac signs, which shaped personality traits and events. Photo: Pinterest.

13. Lasting influence. Tetrabiblos influenced astrology for over 1,500 years, becoming a standard work during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Photo: Pinterest.

14. Popularity through translation. The work was translated into Arabic and Latin, helping to spread Ptolemaic astrology throughout the Islamic world and medieval Europe. Photo: Pinterest.

15. Astrology is challenged but still exists. Although modern science has undermined the reliability of astrology, Tetrabiblos is still considered an important work in understanding the history of human thought. Photo: Pinterest.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/ven-man-bi-an-cuon-sach-chiem-tinh-noi-tieng-nhat-la-ma-co-dai-post256867.html