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Neugebauer book

O. Neugebauer, The Exact Sciences in Antiquity, Dover, 1969.

Chapter I, Numbers

Gives an introduction to ancient number systems, as well as some material on calendars. Pay attention to the parts on Babylonian numbers.

Chapter II, Babylonian mathematics

Read briefly to section 19 on p. 34. You can skip the more detailed mathematical matters, unless you have a strong interest in the subject.

Chapter III, The sources: their decipherment and evaluation

You can skip the more mathematical parts if you want. Just try to get a general overview.

Chapter V, Babylonian astronomy

Try to read the whole chapter, although I realize you may have some trouble with the more technical parts. Concentrate on the part up to p. 110. We will do Babylonian astronomy before Egyptian.

Chapter IV, Egyptian mathematics and astronomy

Read this.

Chapter VI

Skip. Greek astronomy was a big advance and is interesting, but is not related to archaeology.


Last modified October 9, 2007 at 14:37:28 EDT by rac5x
http://www.astro.virginia.edu/class/chevalier/astr341