Book Review: The Chronology of Old Babylon, Die Venustafeln des Ammī-⋅aduqa und ihre Bedeutung für die astronomische Datierung der altbabylonischen Zeit
J. Michael Steele
THE CHRONOLOGY OF OLD BABYLON Die Venustafeln des Ammi-saduqa und ihre Bedeutung fur die astronomische Datierung der altbabylonischen Zeit. Joachim Mebert (Archiv Orientforschung Beiheft, xxxi; Berger & Sohne, Horn, 2010). Pp. 179. 38 (paperback). ISBN 3-900345-10-4.In 1912 F. X. Kugler discovered among omens on sixty-third tablet of Babylonian celestial omen series Enuma Anu Enlil a reference to Year Golden Throne which he identified with eighth year Old king Ammi-saduqa. Tablet 63 contains referring dates Venus's first visibility and invisibility in morning evening. suggested that, contrary other tablets contain pure omens, reports observations had been codified as omens. If this suggestion is correct, then Venus data (commonly referred the Ammi-saduqa) potentially provides means establish date reign hence provide fixed point pin floating, relative chronology early second millennium b.c. known from lists historical documents.Many attempts have made hundred years since Kugler' s discovery. By middle twentieth century, three possible chronologies emerged: high 1 = -1710, -1645, low -1581. Most Assyriologists historians ancient Near East adopted chronology, but no grounds than that it convenient compromise appears all standard works. In recent years, several scientifically-trained scholars argued favour chronologies: P. J. Huber has forceful case for long by combining evidence eclipse 20 21 believes refer specific well month-length taken economic documents.1 V. G. Gurzadyan much criticized analysis super-short -1549. 2 And most recently, T de Jong V Foertmeyer Ammisaduqa -1637 basis connection eruption volcano Thera.3The book under review presents new detailed study its use determining chronology. begins discussing itself. It recognized may be reconstructed preserved copies corrupt various ways. useful structure order extract subset are reliable. investigate phenomena found these investigates Late values arcus visionis Babylon. He uses calculate during can compared extracted Tablet. Next, compares mo nth -length period calculated month lengths. results two types evidence, concludes likely -1573. Finally, - rather astronomical see whether there any contradictions his proposed supporting chronological equation. …
Journal for the History of Astronomy