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Document Details : Title: The Zodiac Man in Armenian Tradition Author(s): SARGSYAN, Anush Journal: Revue des Études Arméniennes Volume: 43 Date: 2025 Pages: 183-214 DOI: 10.2143/REA.43.0.3295023 Abstract : In the Armenian tradition, the zodiac signs are linked to body parts and geographical regions. This tradition originates with Paul of Alexandria’s Eisagogika (ca. 350-400) and the Vasnənt‘ac‘ic‘ aregakan, attributed to Anania Širakuni (Širakac‘i). Between the 12th and 14th centuries, these texts, with particular emphasis on the macrocosmic-microcosmic analogy, were incorporated into Armenian compendia on the calendar and astronomical studies – known as Patčēn tumari – and their commentaries. Subsequently, Western Zodiac Man iconography was incorporated into the Armenian tradition. In tomar literature, Zodiac Man diagrams often appear as double-page compositions, presenting both the astrological and geographical aspects of the theory, with references to the Microcosmic Man. For the depiction of the zodiac signs in these diagrams, generally Islamic iconographic models were employed, as Armenian prognostic literature was largely influenced by the Islamic tradition. The popularity of Zodiac Man diagrams led to the integration of independent, original European examples into Armenian manuscripts and printed literature, where they were once again adopted within the framework of tomar literature. |
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