This paper peruses the literary sources that describe Heracles meeting Atlas, master of astronomy, along with some iconographic evidence. Subsequently, the author contribution investigates the astronomical skills of Hercules (the hero of the labors who replaced Atlas in supporting the sky) and his relationships with time and the calendar. Such tradition maintained its vitality in Roman times, as demonstrated by many clues, such as the foundation of the "aedes Herculis Musarum", the circularity of the temples consecrated to Hercules, the dedication of sundials, or his intervention during eclipses (CIL, IX 4599). Finally, the author highlights how some passages of Latin authors significantly referred to the eclipses as "labor" or "labores".
Il cielo sulle spalle: Eracle discepolo di Atlante
Marcattili
2024
Abstract
This paper peruses the literary sources that describe Heracles meeting Atlas, master of astronomy, along with some iconographic evidence. Subsequently, the author contribution investigates the astronomical skills of Hercules (the hero of the labors who replaced Atlas in supporting the sky) and his relationships with time and the calendar. Such tradition maintained its vitality in Roman times, as demonstrated by many clues, such as the foundation of the "aedes Herculis Musarum", the circularity of the temples consecrated to Hercules, the dedication of sundials, or his intervention during eclipses (CIL, IX 4599). Finally, the author highlights how some passages of Latin authors significantly referred to the eclipses as "labor" or "labores".I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.