At Denderah, 60 kilometers north of Luxor, stands a grand temple dedicated to the goddesses Hathor and Isis. The temple, whose latest reconstruction commenced in 54 BC, is a remarkable testament to ancient Egyptian architecture and devotion. On the roof, six small chapels are dedicated to the god Osiris, symbolizing his eternal resurrection through vegetal, human, and cosmic rebirth.
The sandstone slab on display here once formed the ceiling of one of these chapels. Measuring 255 cm in length and 253 cm in width, this bas-relief salient is a stunning representation of the night sky, featuring the constellations of the zodiac. This artifact is of immense importance, as it demonstrates the Egyptians' sophisticated understanding of celestial phenomena, including the movement of planets and the occurrence of eclipses. These insights are the culmination of centuries of meticulous research by Egyptian astronomers.
This exquisite piece has been meticulously captured in a 3D scan by Marc-Alfred Faligant, ensuring that its intricate details and historical significance are preserved for future generations.