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Aglaonike (seated)

Aglaonike (Gr. Ἀγλαονίκη, Aglaonikē; fl. 2nd century BC), also known as Aganice of Thessaly, is cited as the first female astronomer in ancient Greece. She is mentioned in the writings of Plutarch and Apollonius of Rhodes as the daughter of Hegetor of Thessaly[1] or as the daughter of Hegemon. She was regarded as a sorceress for her ability to make the Moon disappear from the sky, which has been taken to mean she could predict the time and general area where a lunar eclipse would occur.[2][3]

A Greek proverb makes reference to Aglaonike's alleged boasting: "Yes, as the moon obeys Aglaonike".[4]

A number of female astrologers, apparently regarded as sorcerers, were associated with Aglaonike. They were known as the "witches of Thessaly" and were active from the 1st to 3rd centuries BC.[4]



One of the craters on Venus is named after Aglaonike.[4]




  5. ^ Gorgias
  6. ^ Plutarch, Conjugalia Praecepta
