En Hedu' Anna
En Hedu' Anna lived in Babylon around 2354 B.C. Her father was Sargon who
created the Sargonian Dynasty of Babylon during that time. En Hedu' was the
chief priestess of the Moon Goddess of the city of Babylon. This was an
extremely powerful role, as the priestess was the only person who could name any
new ruler to the city.
Sumeria and Babylon were the first cities to establish
astronomy and mathematics. These disciplines were created and controlled by
the priests and priestesses of the cities. Therefore, En Hedu' was one of the
primary forerunners of astronomy and mathematics.
She, along with other priests, created several observatories inside religious
temples, with which to
view the stars and the moon. Maps were made of these celestial bodies'
movements. In addition, En Hedu' helped create one of the first religious
calendars, which is still used today in certain religions to celebrate Easter,
Passover, and other religious events.
En Hedu' was the first female name to be recorded in technical history.
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