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| Paper: |
Sirius Rising 139 AD: Hadrian, Tivoli, and the
Tazza Farnese |
| Volume: |
441, The Inspiration of Astronomical Phenomena VI |
| Page: |
509 |
| Authors: |
Aakhus, P. L. |
| Abstract: |
The heliacal rising of Sirius in 139 AD, intersecting with the
beginning of the Egyptian year after an interval of 1461 years,
signaled abundant fertility derived from the flooding of the Nile and
the resurrection of Osiris. Hadrian’s preparation for this event,
which he did not live to see, at his villa in Tivoli was concurrent
with the establishment of the cult of Antinoos assimilated to Osiris,
Hermes and Master of the Hounds, following his drowning in the
Nile. The site of the obelisk marking Antinoos’ tomb and describing
his resurrection has recently been discovered near the so-called
“Canopus” at Tivoli , where the prominent placement of
Demeter/Isis/Sothis and Antinoos/Osiris suggests the rising of Sirius
on 20 July 139 AD and flooding of the Nile. Furthermore, this
astronomical-cultural event shown on coins and gems of the period, may
also be represented in the much debated iconography of the Tazza
Farnese, a carved Hellenistic sardonyx libation bowl owned by a
prince of Samarkand, Lorenzo de’ Medici, and Frederick II, and said to
have been found in Hadrian's tomb. |
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