Berlin Exhibition Traces Ancient Origins of Astrology and Zodiac Systems

The Neues Museum in Berlin is presenting 'Destiny in the Stars: The Beginnings of the Zodiac,' an exhibition exploring the historical roots of astrology. The show features artifacts from ancient Babylonia, Egypt, Greece, and the Roman Empire, including a 1st-3rd century Egyptian papyrus that contains specific astrological predictions. Horoscopy originated around 410 B.C. in Babylon, where astronomers developed mathematical models to track celestial movements. These scientific observations merged with mystical elements like zodiac signs, which represented sections of the sun's apparent path. The exhibition demonstrates astrology's significant cultural role in antiquity and its lasting influence, running through January 10.