Cellarius_Harmonia_Macrocosmica_-_Scenographia_Compagis_Mundanae_Brahea.jpg
Cellarius_Harmonia_Macrocosmica_-_Scenographia_Compagis_Mundanae_Brahea.jpg

Navigating the Heavens (Part 2) - Ancient Greek Astronomy

$375.00

Led by Camille Demouchy

This seminar offers a rigorous philological and mathematical investigation into complex ancient Greek astronomical systems. Building upon the foundations of Part 1, students analyze solar anomalies, lunar coordinates, and eclipse computations directly through primary sources.

  • Taught in Ancient Greek

  • Recordings Available

  • Wed, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EDT (US East) / 17:00 – 18:30 CET (Central Europe)

  • Nov 11, 2026 – Jan 20, 2027 (Note: Winter hiatus on Dec 30)

  • 15h total (10 Sessions)

VIEW SYLLABUS

Led by Camille Demouchy

This seminar offers a rigorous philological and mathematical investigation into complex ancient Greek astronomical systems. Building upon the foundations of Part 1, students analyze solar anomalies, lunar coordinates, and eclipse computations directly through primary sources.

  • Taught in Ancient Greek

  • Recordings Available

  • Wed, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EDT (US East) / 17:00 – 18:30 CET (Central Europe)

  • Nov 11, 2026 – Jan 20, 2027 (Note: Winter hiatus on Dec 30)

  • 15h total (10 Sessions)

VIEW SYLLABUS

2. Course Overview

  • Comprehensive Description: Part 2 advances into the core mathematical models of late antiquity, challenging students to bridge the gap between linguistic mastery and scientific comprehension. Participants will translate and analyze selections from books II–VI of Ptolemy’s Almagest alongside fragments from Eudoxus and Hesiod. The curriculum tracks advanced systems including the calculation of ascendant signs, the agricultural application of parapegmata (heliacal risings), and Hipparchus's methods for determining the length of the tropic year. Close attention will be paid to the geometric concepts of eccentricity, epicycles, and deferents used to approximate celestial motion. The seminar culminates in evaluating Eratosthenes' calculation of the Earth’s circumference, measuring lunar parallax, and computing the exact scale of lunar eclipses.

3. Proficiency & Requirements

  • Language Level:

    • Framework Reference: Advanced (Post-Athenaze II / Completion of Part 1 highly recommended).

    • General Description: Designed for advanced students of Ancient Greek who are capable of auditory comprehension and participating in technical discussions conducted entirely in the target language.

  • Estimated Self-Study Time:

    • Time Commitment: 2–3 hours per week.

    • Preparation Type: Review and study the textual formulas and translations handled in class to prepare for the subsequent cumulative mathematical modules.

4. Materials & Bibliography

  • Required Textbooks: None. All primary source selections, tables, and supplementary fragments will be provided digitally by the instructor.

  • Further Reading (Bibliography):

    • Ptolemy, Almagest (Books II–VI) & Canopus Inscription.

    • Hesiod, Works and Days.

    • Eudoxus, Selenodrom (Fragments).

    • Geminus, Eisagoge.

5. ATTENDANCE, CERTIFICATION AND RECORDINGS

By enrolling, you agree to our standard academic regulations. These guidelines include the minimum attendance required to earn a Certificate of Completion, policies regarding lesson recording availability, mandatory parental consent for minors, and intellectual property protections. Please read our complete Attendance, Certifications, and Recordings Policy herefor full details on attendance, certifications, session recordings, user privacy, intellectual property rights, and special learning accommodations.