Quote: "Cosmology is a branch of physics and metaphysics dealing with the nature of the universe."
The study of the structure, origin, and evolution of the universe, as well as beliefs and myths about the cosmos, including the roles played by celestial bodies and other natural phenomena.
The universe's origin: Learn about different ancient origin myths and how they explain the creation of the universe.
Sacred texts: Identify and study the texts that are relevant to the particular ancient religion or belief system.
Mythology: Investigate the various myths and legends that are associated with the religion.
Sacred symbols: Understand the significance of different symbols and their relationship to religious beliefs.
Religious rituals: Explore the practices and rituals that are observed in the religion and the meaning behind them.
Astrology and Astronomy: Gain an understanding of how the ancients understood the stars and their place in the cosmos.
Cosmogony: Examine the origin and evolution of the universe as understood by ancient religion.
Pantheon: Study the beliefs surrounding the gods, goddesses, and deities worshipped in the religion.
Anthropology: Investigate the myths and beliefs surrounding humanity's origin and existence.
Eschatology: Explore the beliefs related to death, the afterlife, and the end of the universe.
Ancient Egyptian Cosmology: The ancient Egyptians believed that the creation of the universe began when a powerful god emerged from the swirling chaos of primeval waters. This god, called Atum or Ra, created the earth, sky, and other gods.
Ancient Greek Cosmology: Ancient Greeks believed that the universe was created by a god called Chaos. From Chaos came Gaia (the earth), Erebus (darkness), and Eros (love). These gods then gave rise to other gods and the universe we know today.
Ancient Hindu Cosmology: According to Hindu cosmology, the universe was created by the god Brahma, who evolved from a cosmic egg. Brahma then created the world and all its inhabitants, including other gods.
Ancient Chinese Cosmology: According to ancient Chinese cosmology, the universe was created by the mingling of two forces, Yin and Yang. These forces gave rise to the five elements, metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, which then created everything else in the universe.
Ancient Mesopotamian Cosmology: The ancient Mesopotamians believed that the universe was created by a family of gods. Apsu (the god of freshwater) and Tiamat (the goddess of saltwater) gave birth to the other gods, who then created the universe.
Ancient Norse Cosmology: The ancient Norse believed that the universe was created from the body of a giant named Ymir. The gods then formed the world from his bones, hair, and blood.
Ancient Native American Cosmology: Native American cosmology varies greatly from tribe to tribe, but many tribes believe that the universe was created by a god or gods. Some tribes believe that the world was created from a giant turtle's back, while others believe that it was created by a god who emerged from the earth.
Ancient Aztec Cosmology: The ancient Aztecs believed that the universe was created by the god Ometeotl, who split into two sexes, male and female. These two sexes then gave rise to other gods and the universe we know today.
Quote: "The term cosmology was first used in English in 1656 in Thomas Blount's Glossographia."
Quote: "In 1731 taken up in Latin by German philosopher Christian Wolff, in Cosmologia Generalis."
Quote: "Religious or mythological cosmology is a body of beliefs based on mythological, religious, and esoteric literature and traditions of creation myths and eschatology."
Quote: "In the science of astronomy, cosmology is concerned with the study of the chronology of the universe."
Quote: "It is investigated by scientists, including astronomers and physicists, as well as philosophers, such as metaphysicians, philosophers of physics, and philosophers of space and time."
Quote: "Theories in physical cosmology may include both scientific and non-scientific propositions and may depend upon assumptions that cannot be tested."
Quote: "Physical cosmology is a sub-branch of astronomy that is concerned with the universe as a whole."
Quote: "Modern physical cosmology is dominated by the Big Bang Theory."
Quote: "The Big Bang Theory attempts to bring together observational astronomy and particle physics."
Quote: "A standard parameterization of the Big Bang with dark matter and dark energy, known as the Lambda-CDM model."
Quote: "Cosmology is a 'historical science' because 'when we look out in space, we look back in time' due to the finite nature of the speed of light."
Quote: "Physical cosmology is the study of the observable universe's origin, its large-scale structures, and dynamics, and the ultimate fate of the universe."
Quote: "Scientists, including astronomers and physicists, as well as philosophers, such as metaphysicians, philosophers of physics, and philosophers of space and time."
Quote: "Physical cosmology relies on scientific observations and theories, while religious or mythological cosmology is based on beliefs from various literary and cultural traditions."
Quote: "Physical cosmology is concerned with the study of the observable universe's origin, its large-scale structures, and dynamics."
Quote: "Theories in physical cosmology may depend upon assumptions that cannot be tested."
Quote: "To understand the nature and history of the universe and its ultimate fate."
Quote: "Cosmologists, including philosophers of space and time, investigate the fundamental aspects of space, time, and their relationship in the context of the universe."
Quote: "Cosmology is considered a 'historical science' because 'when we look out in space, we look back in time' due to the finite nature of the speed of light."