Temple Of Dendera Zodiac

The Temple of Dendera zodiac, also known as the Dendera zodiac or the Dendera ceiling, is a famous ancient Egyptian bas-relief that depicts the celestial zodiac as understood by the ancient Egyptians. This intricate and well-preserved artifact is located in the Hathor Temple at Dendera, Egypt, and dates back to the late Ptolemaic period, around the 1st century BCE. The zodiac is a circular depiction of the constellations, with the central figure of the sky goddess Nut arched over the scene, symbolizing the heavens. The zodiac is surrounded by various other astronomical and mythological figures, reflecting the sophisticated understanding of astronomy and astrology in ancient Egypt. The term "Temple of Dendera zodiac" in Hebrew is מזל דנדרה (Mazal Dendera), in Arabic it is برج دندرا (Burj Dandara), and in French it is Zodiaque de Dendéra. This artifact provides valuable insights into the religious and astronomical beliefs of the ancient Egyptians, showcasing their advanced knowledge of celestial navigation and the integration of celestial bodies into their mythological framework.