Writing about the astronomical clock in Rostock, Germany, made me think of the one in Prague, so I scanned this image:
This clock was first installed in 1410 and is composed of three parts: the astronomical dial, representing the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky and displaying various astronomical details; “The Walk of the Apostles” or “Apostle-go-round,” with the Apostles and a figure of Death (a skeleton) striking the time; and a calendar dial with medallions for each month.
Great weekend, everyone!
{carole}
Pearls & Prose 
There’s something about these astronomical clocks (Rostock and now Prague): it seems to me that there’s a technology and precision involved, such that the medieval people who constructed the clocks should not have been as sophisticated as these astronomical clocks suggest they evidently were. Let me try again:
It seems to me there’s something about our popularly understood histories of technology, and more broadly human culture, that does not jibe with the existence of these clocks. Unless intelligent aliens [Vulcans?] visited these people and gifted them unusually detailed knowledge, I’m suggesting that the earthbound human medieval arts and sciences may have been far superior to what the adjective — in some ways an epithet, frankly — “medieval” suggests to a lay person like me who accepts the commonly accepted notions of “medieval”.
Thanks for your dedication, Ms. Pearl! Verrrry interesting . . .
I too was shocked at the sophistication. Not sure about the Vulcans, though. 😉
This clock is stunning also. Both are so interesting, but I’m not sure which one I find more appealing.
The one in Rostock seemed larger from the photos.
They’re so different, but I think I prefer the one in Prague. It’s part of a very tall tower in Old Town and probably larger than the one in Rostock.
That clock was so fabulous to watch. Mesmerizing.
Truly.
I love this photo, love the color and how it0s slightly faded at the edges,
I know I saw it when I was there but I can’t remember it.
Thanks, Caroline. It was overcast on the day I shot this, hence the light edges. I wish I’d taken more than one photo! Was recovering from a really bad case of food poisoning that day, so probably didn’t feel up to lots of photography. Will just have to go back.