Zag de Sujurmenza facts for kids

Rabbi Zag de Sujurmenza was a very smart Jewish scholar from 13th-century Spain. He helped King Alfonso X of Castile with many important science projects. Zag de Sujurmenza was known for his deep knowledge in astronomy and for creating amazing scientific tools.

A Royal Helper and Inventor

King Alfonso X, who was also called "the Wise," asked Zag de Sujurmenza to create several important books and instruments. These works helped people understand the stars and how to measure time better.

Amazing Inventions

Zag de Sujurmenza designed and wrote about several cool inventions:

• Astrolabio redondo (spherical astrolabe): This was a special tool shaped like a ball. It helped people figure out the positions of stars and planets.
• Astrolabio llano (flat astrolabe): This was a flat version of the astrolabe. It was also used to study the sky and tell time.
• Constelaciones (constellations): He wrote about the groups of stars we see in the night sky.
• Lámina Universal (Universal Plate): This was an improved version of the astrolabe, making it even better for observations.

He also translated an important book called Armellas by Ptolemy, a famous ancient astronomer.

Measuring Time and More

Zag de Sujurmenza also wrote about other interesting things:

• Piedra de la sombra (stone of the shadow, or sundial): This is a device that tells time by the shadow cast by the sun.
• Relox de agua (clepsydra, or water clock): This clock uses the flow of water to measure time.
• Argente vivo o azogue (quicksilver or mercury): He wrote about this unique liquid metal.
• Candela (candle clock): A candle with marks on it that tells time as it burns down.

His Most Important Works

Of all his works, the books on the "round astrolabe" and the "flat astrolabe" were the most important. In these books, Zag de Sujurmenza showed how much he knew about science. People said that his work on the astrolabes changed how astronomy was studied. He built on the knowledge of Arab scholars, correcting their mistakes and helping science move forward. Even his shorter works were very valuable.

See also

• Toledo School of Translators
• Literature of Alfonso X
• Book of knowledge of astrology
• History of sundials
• Libros del saber de astronomía