A rare form of ancient sundials: the meridian from Chios

Abstract

Research has paid no attention to ancient meridian lines. Therefore - following preliminary explanations on nature and the significance of such lines - a find from Chios is presented showing the eldest known meridian line which is accompanied with the zodiac in shape of monograms. Such a depiction of the zodiac is unknown otherwise. The examination of the line and the two sundials on the east and west side of the stone show that very probably they were constructed following a manuscript.