What was one ancient belief regarding the physical nature of stars affixed to the firmament?
Answer
Lights affixed to the solid dome.
Ancient beliefs about the physical nature of the stars often merged cosmology with theology, diverging significantly from modern science. A common belief involved the concept of the firmament, which was often conceived of as a solid dome or shell surrounding the Earth. Within this framework, many cultures believed that the stars were literally lights physically attached or affixed to the inner surface of this rigid dome. Another related, though more radical, view suggested that stars were actually perforations or holes poked through this celestial shell, allowing the light from a higher, internal realm to shine outward.
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