Le ciel sur pierre : les gemmes astrologiques romaines (Ier s. av. J.-C. – IVe s. apr. J.-C.)
By (author) Fabio Spadini
Hardback (Published)
(July 2026)
ISBN: 9781805833048
8.07 x 11.46 inches
Price: $65.00
In stock
This book renews the study of Roman gemstones with astrological motifs (2nd c. BCE–4th c. CE). It establishes new identification criteria, shows all twelve zodiac signs were depicted in varied forms, and introduces a new typology and chronology within their social and religious contexts.
The book revitalizes the long-neglected study of Roman engraved gemstones (2nd c. BCE–4th c. CE) bearing astrological motifs. By establishing new criteria for identification and integrating literary and visual evidence, it demonstrates that all twelve zodiac signs appear on Late Republican and Imperial intaglios—often in previously unrecognized forms. The study proposes a new typology and chronology, situating these gems within their broader social and religious contexts.
Remerciements
Introduction
Pourquoi étudier les gemmes astrologiques ?
Chapitre 1 Histoire de l’étude des gemmes astrologiques
Anton Francesco Gori : le premier catalogue commenté des gemme astrologiques
Les intailles post-antiques à la Renaissance : copies ou créations ?
La classification des gemmes astrologiques au prisme de la magie
Chapitre 2 Les Gemmes Astrologiques
Identification
Typologie des signes zodiacaux
Identifications problématiques
Gemmes astrologiques « littéraires »
Fonctions
Chapitre 3 Gemmes astrologiques et identité
L’acte de sceller
Le sceau, un double de soi même
Genrer les intailles
Signe zodiacal et identité
Des horoscopes sur un support miniature
Les emblèmes des légions
Chapitre 4 Gemmes astrologiques et politique : quel enjeu ?
Les rapports entre le pouvoir et l’astrologie à la fin de la République
Du chaos de la République au cosmos de l’Empire
Glyptique et propagande
Les thématiques politiques des gemmes augustéennes
Marc-Antoine et le Lion : un combat zodiacal ?
Légitimer le pouvoir par l’astrologie à l’époque impériale
Chapitre 5 Gemmes astrologiques et médecine
Micro et macrocosme
Lithothérapie antique entre mot et images
Les gemmes mélothésiques
Le Cancer et les yeux
Le deuxième décan du Cancer ?
Les intailles au Scorpion
Les gemmes au scorpion, quelle utilisation ?
Chapitre 6 Gemmes astrologico-magiques
Les gemmes magiques
La puissance astrale en contexte rituel
Gemmes astrologiques à fonction magique
Conclusion
Catalogue des gemmes astrologiques
Bibliographie
Fabio Spadini is an archaeologist specializing in astral iconography and Roman glyptics in Antiquity. A senior researcher and lecturer at the University of Fribourg, his work explores the intersections between image, belief, and science in the Greco-Roman world, at the crossroads of the history of ancient science and the archaeology of knowledge. His current project investigates the genesis and development of the zodiac’s visual representation.
- By (author) Fabio Spadini
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