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Gnomons at Meroë and Early Trigonometry

1998; SAGE Publishing; Volume: 84; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1177/030751339808400112

2514-0582

Leo Depuydt,

Ancient Egypt and Archaeology

Angles of the sun and shadows at Meroë at significant annual dates are given. Three graffiti in building 950 at Meroë, previously published by Garstang and probably dating to the first century BC or the first century AD, are discussed in the light of their astronomical implications. A new interpretation identifies a gnomon, an instrument that measures shadows, and its significance for the early history of trigonometry is noted. In one instance observation of the summer solstice at Meroë is suggested.