Uncovering Stars in an Egyptian Temple: The New Sky over Esna

The front vestibule–or pronaos–of the temple of Esna, well-known for its elaborate decorations, is one of the last examples of ancient Egyptian temple architecture. In 2018, the University of Tübingen, in cooperation with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, launched a complete restoration of the vestibule. The six-year-long project has revealed a magnificent astronomical ceiling, colorful columns, and close to two hundred ink inscriptions previously undescribed. This lecture gives an overview of the restoration project, focusing on the astronomical ceiling and its multiple features, such as the path of the sun and moon, stars used for keeping time, Egyptian constellations, and the twelve signs of the zodiac. About the Speaker: Christian Leitz is the Director of the Department of Egyptology and the Institute for Ancient Near Eastern Studies (AINES) at the University of Tübingen, Germany. He holds a PhD in Egyptian Astronomy and completed his Habilitation in Cologne, studying the Calendar of Lucky and Unlucky Days. His primary research interests include Greco-roman temples, astronomy, medicine, and zoology.