What question did this study set out to answer?

This article aims to explore an early European astrolabe, uncovering its origins and design influences.

May 15, 2026

The Franco-Hispanic astrolabe of 1216 kept at the Liceo Classico Alighieri in Ravenna

Key Points

This article aims to explore an early European astrolabe, uncovering its origins and design influences.
Investigated the lettering of the astrolabe.
Analyzed the design features and the rete of the instrument.
Compared the astrolabe to an 11th-century Andalusian model.
The astrolabe was made in Toulouse in 1216.
It shows design features indicative of an Andalusian model from the late 11th century.
The instrument was likely moved to Ravenna after its creation.

Abstract

This article discusses a hitherto unknown unsigned early European astrolabe kept at the Liceo Classico Alighieri in Ravenna. The astrolabe was made in Toulouse in 1216 and later seems to have been moved to Ravenna. Our investigations of the lettering, the design features, and the stars on the rete of the astrolabe show that the instrument was modelled on an Andalusian model dating to the last quarter of the 11th century.

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