Astronomy was a rich field of inquiry during the Middle Ages. Ancient and medieval scholars developed theories to explain the movements of the planets, tools for calculating the phases of the moon and reference tables to determine the timing of eclipses and other astronomical phenomena. Working with the ancient works of Ptolemy and others, it was Muslim scholars who led the way in developing greater understanding of the planets, stars, and other heavenly bodies and their relationship to humans during the early Middle Ages. Latin scholars relied and built upon translations of these Arabic works to jumpstart the study of astronomy in European universities during the High Middle Ages and into modernity.

Below are four examples of medieval manuscripts from the University of Pennsylvania Library that transmitted astronomical teachings. The manuscripts contain astronomical texts in various languages as well as the tools and tables that medieval astronomers used to perform and demonstrate their calculations.

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These first two videos provide very brief orientations to two astronomical manuscripts copied in the second half of the fourteenth century. The two were written in different languages, but discussed the same topics. What are the similarities and differences between them? Think not only about their languages and the texts they contain, but about their size, handwriting, artistry and astronomical tools.

Penn Library's LJS 57 - Astronomical anthology (Video Orientation) (2 Min)
Catalonia, 1361

Do you want to explore this manuscript in more detail? A full description and high resolution images of this manuscript are available via the University of Pennsylvania Library. 

Penn Library's LJS 388 - [Mulakhkhaṣ fī al-hayʼah] (2 Min)
Iran?, 1384

Do you want to explore this manuscript in more detail? A full description and high resolution images of this manuscript are available via the University of Pennsylvania Library. 

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These next two videos are longer and provide more in-depth introductions to these amazing books! While the previous manuscripts had some tables and illustrations, these contain many colorful diagrams, elaborate charts, and even some moving parts! What can the content of these manuscript tell us about how medieval people might have used them?

Coffee With a Codex: Astrology, Astronomy, Religion (LJS 361)
Naples, 1327

Do you want to explore this manuscript in more detail? A full description and high resolution images of this manuscript are available via the University of Pennsylvania Library. 

University of Pennsylvania Library's Ms Codex 1881 - Astronomical treatises and tables (10 Min)
Germany, 1481

Do you want to explore this manuscript in more detail? A full description and high resolution images of this manuscript are available via the University of Pennsylvania Library. 

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Reflection Questions:

-We saw a variety of texts in these manuscripts. Did you recognize any of these works or authors? Were these original works, copies, or translations?

-What can the variety of languages represented in these manuscripts tell us about how knowledge was shared in the Middle Ages?

-These manuscripts contain much more than just texts. What other astronomical materials and tools did you find in these collections? What kinds of questions might they answer for medieval people and for the medieval historian?

Citation:

Porter, Dorothy, and Albert Kohn, ed., Astronomy in Medieval Manuscripts, November Middle Ages for Educators, November 15, 2023. Accessed [date]. https://middleagesforeducators.princeton.edu/astronomy-medieval-manuscripts