Astrology · Guide
Astrology in ancient Rome: practice and public life
The Roman setting of Greek-language astrology and the distinction between personal readings and political prediction.
Editorial illustration.
In this lesson
An empire of languages and practices
Astrology in the Roman world included Greek- and Latin-speaking authors, different clients and varying social standing. “Roman” does not mean that every technique originated in the city of Rome or enjoyed uniform acceptance.
Who is asking the question
An account of an emperor and a prediction serves a different purpose from a technical manual for casting charts. The former may portray authority or justify an event retrospectively. A text setting out actual rules is a better guide to the method’s history.
Separate evidence from legend
For an intriguing story, check who recorded it, how much later, and whether an independent source exists. This makes it possible to discuss astrology’s cultural influence without treating every famous prediction as a verified fact.
Astrology · Guide
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Hellenistic astrology and the language of horoscopes
How Hellenistic astrology took shape through earlier traditions and Greek-language authors.From prediction to psychological interpretation
How the language of some modern astrological schools changes, and why a psychological metaphor is not a diagnosis.A history of the horoscope: from sky record to mass reading
Trace the history of the horoscope from early records to modern uses.