As society evolved, humanity's understanding of the objective world grew clearer. The advancement of cartography produced more exquisite maps and star charts, enabling a more scientific exploration of the Earth, seas, and skies. However, the medieval period's emphasis on religion and the immaturity of science led people to retain their theological and metaphysical interpretations of the world. Rational astronomical observations and the abstract, emotional realms of astrology and Christianity complemented each other, evolving hand in hand.
随着社会的不断演变，人们对客观世界的认知进一步清晰。制图学的发展造就了更精美的地图和星图，让人们可以进一步科学理性地探索大地、海洋、与苍穹。当然，中世纪对宗教的不断强化和十几世纪科学本身的不成熟也导致当时的人们并没有放弃自己对世界出于神学和玄学的认知。理性客观的天文观测与感性抽象
的占星术、基督教相辅相成，共同发展。
随着社会的不断演变，人们对客观世界的认知进一步清晰。制图学的发展造就了更精美的地图和星图，让人们可以进一步科学理性地探索大地、海洋、与苍穹。当然，中世纪对宗教的不断强化和十几世纪科学本身的不成熟也导致当时的人们并没有放弃自己对世界出于神学和玄学的认知。理性客观的天文观测与感性抽象
的占星术、基督教相辅相成，共同发展。
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Suzhou Stone Carving Astronomical Chart 苏州石刻天文图 Stone rubbing, 1247 Huang Shang This engraved astronomical chart meticulously depicts the constellations and celestial phenomena known at the time. It was used not only for navigation and agricultural planning but also reflects ancient China’s unique astronomical system, which was closely intertwined with the culture and religious beliefs of the era. 这幅石刻天文图详细描绘了当时已知的星座和天文现象，不仅用于导航和农业规划，还反映古代中国独特的天文体系，与当时的文化和宗教信仰紧密相关。 |
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Phases of the Moon 月相图 Illumination, 1277 Matfre Ermangau This illumination by an unknown Franco Flemish illustrator demonstrates a clear understanding of the relationship between the moon’s phases and its orientation to the sun, reflecting the understanding of lunar motion by medieval astronomers. 这幅月相图详细描绘了月球在其轨道上各个相位的变化过程，体现了中世纪天文学家对月球运动的理解。 |
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Peselino's World Map 佩塞利诺的世界地图 Fresco, 1450 Francesco Pesellino This world map integrates religious and geographical elements, reflecting the contemporary understanding of the universe and the world. The upper portion features a group of saints and angels, symbolizing the celestial realm, while the lower half presents a depiction of Earth, illustrating the concept of the world enveloped by the divine. 这幅世界地图结合了宗教和地理元素，反映了当时对宇宙和世界的理解。画面展示了一群圣人和天使，象征着天界。下半部分是地球图景，展示了地球被天界包围的理念。 |
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Constellations of the Northern and Southern Skies
南天星图和北天星图 Hand-coloured woodcut prints, 1515 Albrecht Dürer |
In these two ancient celestial charts of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, the author has intricately illustrated the forms of various constellations, each with its unique patterns and symbols drawn from mythology, alongside the positions of important stars. The top and bottom of the Northern Hemisphere chart also depict ancient astronomers holding celestial globes, symbolizing their study and exploration of the night sky.
这两幅古老的南北天星图中，作者详细绘制了各个星座的形象，每个星座都有其独特的图案和符号，以神话中的形象被勾勒出来，周围还标注了重要的恒星位置。在北天星图的顶部和底部还描绘了古代天文学家，他们手持天球仪，象征着他们对星空的研究和探索。 |
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A Modern and Complete Map of the World
现代完整的世界地图 Map, 1534 Oronce Finé This map employs a unique heart-shaped projection, combining the discovery of the New World with information from medieval sources, notably Ptolemy. The heart serves as a symbol of the world, intricately linked to the humanist spirit advocated during the Renaissance, which emphasized the pursuit of happiness in real life, the liberation of individuality, and the opposition to the ignorance and superstition of theological thought. 这幅地图采用了独特的心形投影法，将新大陆的发现与中世纪流传的信息（来自托勒密）结合起来。一颗心能成为世界的象征，与当时文艺复兴提倡的人文主义精神（主张人生的目的是追求现实生活中的幸福，倡导个性解放，反对愚昧迷信的神学思想）密不可分。 |
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Paper Wheel of the Moon 月球纸轮 Hand-coloured woodcut print, 1540 Petrus Apianus This illustration is from the medieval astronomy book Astronomy of the Caesars. The depicted "lunar paper wheel" features a complex design of concentric circles, with detailed annotations and illustrations on each ring used for calculating and predicting the positions and movements of celestial bodies. This design not only serves a scientific purpose but also possesses a high degree of artistry. 这张插图来自一本中世纪天文学书籍《御用天文学》。图中描绘的“月球纸轮”采用了一个复杂的同心圆设计，每个环上详细的标注和插图用于计算和预测天体的位置和运动。这个设计不仅具有科学研究的功能，还具有高度的艺术性。 |
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These images express an understanding of the origins of the universe and the divine order through geometric shapes and symbolic elements. At the top of the left image is a large circle containing an inverted triangle, inscribed with the Latin letters "A" and "Ω," symbolizing the beginning and the end. It also features the phrase "Fiat Lux," meaning "Let there be light," a quote from the Book of Genesis in the Bible. Flanking the background are flame-like patterns, symbolizing divine or supernatural powers. Below is a spiral structure, representing the arrangement of the world or the cosmos.
这几幅图片通过几何图形和象征性元素，表达了对宇宙起源和神圣秩序的理解。左图顶部是一个大圆圈，内部包含一个倒置的三角形，内部写有拉丁文字母“A”和“Ω”，象征着开始与结束。还写有“Fiat Lux”，意思是“要有光”，是《圣经》创世纪中的一句话。背景两侧有火焰般的图案，象征着神圣或超自然的力量。下方是一个螺旋形的结构，象征着世界或宇宙的结构。 |
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Fludd's Creation Theory 伯特·弗鲁德的创世理论 Engraving, 1617-1621 Robert Fludd This artwork presents a mysterious cosmic scene. At its center is a massive luminous entity symbolizing light and creation, with the word "Fiat" above it, representing the divine command of creation. Rays of light radiate from the center, forming a large spiral that symbolizes the birth and expansion of the universe. To the left, a soaring angel adds to the celestial atmosphere. 这幅作品展示了一个神秘的宇宙场景。中心部分是一个象征着光明和创造的巨大发光体，其上方的“Fiat”字样象征着创造的神圣命令。光线从中心放射出来，形成一个大大的螺旋形，象征着宇宙的诞生和扩展。左侧有一只飞翔的天使。 |
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