A Device for All Occasions
The astrolabe, used for centuries across European and Islamic cultures, was the “smartphone” of its time. It could tell the time, track stars, calculate your location, and even help make decisions—much like today’s high-tech gadgets, but from an earlier era.
From the Roman Empire to Islamic Scholars
The astrolabe was likely developed during the height of the Roman Empire, later spreading through Islamic cultures by the 8th century. These devices, which ranged from brass to wood, allowed users to navigate, perform calculations, and even determine prayer times.
A Tool for Navigators and Scholars
In the 15th century, explorers like Bartolomeu Dias and Christopher Columbus relied on astrolabes for navigation. They used them to determine their latitude, especially when they could no longer see the North Star. The astrolabe was integral to their maritime journeys.
A Modern Revival
As new technologies like clocks and sextants replaced the astrolabe, the tool faded into history. However, in the age of smartphones, the concept of the astrolabe has resurfaced in digital form, helping us navigate, calculate, and connect with the world—just like its ancient predecessor.
The astrolabe, used for centuries across European and Islamic cultures, was the "smartphone" of its time. It could tell the time, track stars, calculate your location, and even help make decisions—much like today's high-tech gadgets, but from an earlier era.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/kV4klqLjsp
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) April 3, 2025