The astrolabe, considered the "mathematical jewel of the Middle Ages", was until the end of the 17th century the most widely used portable instrument in the history of astronomy. It maintains its validity because it allows to understand in a clear and simple way the celestial mechanics and the apparent movement of the stars.

Historically it is admitted that its origin is in Alexandria. Perfected by the Arabs and Persians it was introduced in Spain, and through Spain it passed to Western Europe at the beginning of the 10th century.

This European Astrolabe miniature was calculated for 41º latitude. Very small scale.

Height: 130mm / Diameter: 45mm / Thickness: 5mm