Sothic cycle meaning

The Sothic cycle refers to the 1,460-year cycle of the Sirius star, which was used by ancient Egyptians to calculate their calendar year.


Sothic cycle definitions

Word backwards cihtoS elcyc
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "Sothic cycle" is a noun phrase.
Syllabic division So-thic cy-cle
Plural The plural of the word Sothic cycle is Sothic cycles.
Total letters 11
Vogais (3) o,i,e
Consonants (6) s,t,h,c,y,l

The Sothic cycle is a phenomenon observed in ancient Egyptian astronomy that is based on the heliacal rising of the star Sirius. This star was of great significance to the ancient Egyptians, as it marked the beginning of the Nile flood season, which was crucial for their agricultural calendar.

Origin and Meaning

The term "Sothic cycle" is derived from the name of the star Sirius, known as Sothis to the ancient Egyptians. The cycle was approximately 1,460 years long and was used to regulate the Egyptian calendar. It was essential for the synchronization of the lunar and solar calendars used in ancient Egypt.

Heliacal Rising of Sirius

The Sothic cycle was based on the heliacal rising of Sirius, which occurred when the star first became visible on the eastern horizon just before sunrise. This event typically coincided with the beginning of the inundation of the Nile River, which was vital for agriculture in ancient Egypt.

Importance in Egyptian Culture

For the ancient Egyptians, the heliacal rising of Sirius marked the New Year and was associated with the goddess Isis. It was a time of great celebration and reverence, as it was seen as a time of rebirth and renewal. The Sothic cycle played a crucial role in the religious and agricultural life of the ancient Egyptians.

Overall, the Sothic cycle was a significant astronomical event in ancient Egyptian culture, guiding their calendars and agricultural practices. The heliacal rising of Sirius marked an essential time of the year for the ancient Egyptians, symbolizing new beginnings and the cycle of life.


Sothic cycle Examples

  1. The ancient Egyptians used the Sothic cycle to regulate their calendar.
  2. Historians study the Sothic cycle to determine the chronology of ancient events.
  3. A Sothic cycle consists of 1,461 years.
  4. The Sothic cycle is based on the 365-day calendar year.
  5. A Sothic cycle begins when the star Sirius rises with the sun.
  6. The Sothic cycle was first observed in ancient Egypt.
  7. Some scholars believe the Sothic cycle was used in dating the construction of the Great Pyramid.
  8. Many ancient texts mention the Sothic cycle as a way to track time.
  9. The Sothic cycle played a crucial role in the development of ancient Egyptian astronomy.
  10. A Sothic cycle synchronization event occurs when Sirius rises on the same day as the start of the Egyptian year.


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  • Updated 22/06/2024 - 20:47:59