The Astronomical Dating of Ancient History before 700 BC

Abstract

In this critical examination of ancient Near Eastern chronology, John Brug challenges the reliability of astronomical dating methods used before 700 B.C., particularly the Sothic cycle in Egypt and Venus observations in Mesopotamia. Brug argues that foundational dates—such as the 1872 B.C. dating of Sesostris III—rest on unverified assumptions, ambiguous texts, and questionable astronomical interpretations. He highlights inconsistencies in calendar systems, uncertainties in star identifications, and the circular reasoning often employed in dating ancient events. The paper also critiques eclipse-based dating and the dependence of Mesopotamian chronology on Egyptian synchronisms. Brug calls for a thorough reevaluation of these dating systems, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary scrutiny and caution against overconfidence in established chronologies. His work underscores the fragility of widely accepted historical timelines and advocates for renewed investigation into the astronomical foundations of ancient history. Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).