The Rosetta Stone and the Nemrud Nomos: the discovery of significant textual and astronomical similarities

The research focuses on the Nomos of Commagene, inscribed on colossal statues atop Mount Nemrud, and the Rosetta Stone text, a decree of Ptolemy V. Both texts detail astro-religions, with the Nomos describing the Commagenean cult and the Rosetta Stone detailing the Ptolemaic one. The paper hypothesizes that the Rosetta text predates the Nomos, a claim supported by textual and astronomical evidence. The study's importance lies in challenging the perception of Middle Eastern astro-religions as isolated cults, instead proposing a shared ancestral star cult originating from the Fertile Crescent.

The literature review draws upon various scholarly works analyzing the Rosetta Stone, including the Rosetta Stone Online Project, and the Commagene Nomos, with references to Dörner and Young (1996) and Crijns (2014). Existing research on ancient calendars (Parker, 1950), the use of marker stars for agricultural planning (Hesiod, 2004; Varisco, 1993), and the astronomical knowledge of ancient Egyptians (Diodorus, 2018) is also reviewed. Scholarly debates surrounding the interpretation of coronation and birthday dates mentioned in both texts are acknowledged, with differing views presented by Dörner and Goell (1963) and Koenen (1977).

The study employs archaeoastronomy to analyze the astronomical configurations corresponding to the dates mentioned in both the Rosetta Stone and the Nomos texts. The author uses astronomical software, SkyMap Pro and Stellarium, to calculate the precise celestial positions for the specified dates. The analysis focuses on the heliacal rising and setting of marker stars: Sirius for the Egyptian context (AMR and AMS, as defined by Robinson, 2009; de Jong, 2006) and Regulus for the Commagenian context (AMS and AES). The conversion of ancient Egyptian dates was done using the online Data Converter for Ancient Egypt. The calculations account for nautical twilight and the altitude of the Sun and the marker stars. The Lion Horoscope on Mt. Nemrud is used as a visual reference for verifying the calculated celestial configuration for the Commagenian coronation.

The analysis reveals striking parallels between the two texts. Both texts follow a similar structure, publicly displaying details of the king's cult and accomplishments. Both kings, Ptolemy V and Antiochus I, are associated with a specific star (the sun for Ptolemy V, and Regulus for Antiochus I). Both texts mention the same festivals: the king's birthday and coronation, celebrated annually and monthly. The astronomical calculations demonstrate that the coronation dates in both texts correspond to specific and rare celestial configurations involving the setting of their respective marker stars—Sirius for Ptolemy V's coronation in Memphis (November 28, 205 BCE, around 6:10 local time) and Regulus for Antiochus I's coronation on Mt. Nemrud (July 14, 109 BCE, around 8:02 PM local time). The Lion Horoscope on Mt. Nemrud visually corroborates the Regulus configuration. The presence of visible planets, including Mercury, in both configurations further emphasizes the significance of these celestial events. The uniqueness of these planetary configurations is highlighted, with the author stating that the specific configuration found on the Lion Horoscope is statistically significant within a 10,000-year timeframe.

The remarkable similarities between the Rosetta Stone text and the Commagene Nomos strongly suggest a shared cultural heritage or a direct influence. Two explanations are proposed: The Ptolemaic Rosetta text served as a blueprint for the Nomos, or both cults developed independently from a common, older star cult. The latter explanation suggests a widespread star cult dating back to the Fertile Crescent era, influencing both Egyptian and Commagenean cultures. The findings underscore the significance of archaeoastronomy in understanding ancient cultures' worldviews and religious practices. The study's contribution lies in revealing the interconnectedness of seemingly isolated astro-religious cults in the Middle East.

This research demonstrates significant textual and astronomical parallels between the Rosetta Stone and the Nemrud Nomos, highlighting the potential for a shared astro-religious heritage in the ancient Middle East. The detailed astronomical analysis supports the theory of a common star cult tradition possibly dating back to the Fertile Crescent. Future research should focus on further exploration of astronomical data from other ancient Near Eastern cultures to broaden our understanding of these interconnected belief systems.

The study relies on the interpretation of historical texts and astronomical calculations. The exact interpretation of certain dates within both texts remains debated. Further research could incorporate additional astronomical data and textual evidence to refine the analysis and strengthen the conclusions.