1. Astrology in Rome and the Ancient World
By Brandon Sieteski

2. What is Astrology?
Earliest evidence of Astrology dates back to 2nd millennium BCE used by the Ancient Mesopotamia
Astrology follows the belief that there is a connection between astronomical phenomena and the human world
Ancients also believed that it was a way to communicate with the Gods

3. How Did Astrology Work in the Ancient World?
Uses the positions of the Moon, Planets, and Stars
Looks at where they are in proportion to Earth at any given time
Earth is in the middle of this concept since it is where the calculation is being made from
Would look at the sky when something important happened, noticing how things are aligned, figured when this alignment happened again, the event would happen again

4. Uses of Astrology in the Ancient World
Predict tides
Understand different phases of the moon, what that would mean for rivers, lakes, oceans
Changing of Weather and Seasons for farming purposes
Communicate with the Gods
Predict the future (used for wars and political reasons)

5. Astrology in Rome
First reference of Astrology in Rome came from the Orator Cato in 160 BCE, not used in Rome initially
Astrology was not considered to be a reliable practice at the start, was often talked down at its introduction
Cato warned farmers against consulting about farm ideas with Chaldeans, referred to as “Babylonian Star Gazers”
Cato did not trust the intentions of the Chaldeans
Greek influence would play a huge role in bringing Astrology to the Romans

6. Astrology in Rome cont.
Emperor Tiberius (Reign 14 AD-37AD) was the first emperor to have a court Astrologer named Thrasyllus
Thrasyllus brought a new form of Astrology to Rome called Hermetic Astrology
Hermetic Astrology use religion and Philosophy and focuses on three major components: The largest is Astrology, along with Alchemy, and Theurgy
Astrology became a larger factor when Augustus came to power and claimed that he had Imperial rights that came from Astrology

7. Astrology in Rome cont.
Leaders would use Astrology as a way to justify what they wanted to do
Shrines and large temples were constructed to honor the solar system and stars
Septimus Severus, ruled between AD constructed a shrine of the seven known planets and placed himself in the center
“The sun is not the only center of the Universe but the Roman Government is as well”

8. Military Building in Ancient Rome that contained Astrological Charts

9. Famous Peoples who Practiced Astrology
Nigidius Figulus (98-45 BC)
Lucias Tarutius Firmanus (Unkown-86 BC)
Julius Firmicus Maternus (Unkown)
Marcus Manilius (1st Century AD)
Paulus Alexandrinus (4th Century AD)