A MINOAN ECLIPSE CALCULATOR

Authors

  • M. Tsikritsis Directorate of Secondary Education, Department of Informatics and New Technologies, Heraklion 71202, Herak-lion, Crete, Greece
  • E. Theodossiou Department of Astrophysics, Astronomy and Mechanics, Faculty of Physics, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Zographou 157 84, Greece
  • P. Mantarakis 22127 Needles St, Chatsworth, California, USA
  • D. Tsikritsis Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, N. Plastira 100 Vassilika Vouton, GR-700 13 Heraklion, Crete, Greece.

Keywords:

Minoan Crete, archaeoastronomy, computing, Palaikastro, Moon, lunar eclipses

Abstract

A stone die of the Minoan period, discovered near Palaikastro in Crete, Greece, in 1899, was selected for this study as bearer of astronomical significance. Strong evidence is presented in favor of its use (especially of the “ray-bearing” disc on its right-hand side) as a die for the construction of a device that could determine eclipse dates during the Minoan period (circa 15th century BC); additionally, two more practical uses for it are examined: as a sundial and as an instrument for the determination of the geographical latitude.

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Published

2023-07-27

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 1 (2013)

Section

Articles