"Discovery of 11th-Century Shared 'Smartphone' Unveils Ancient Communication Technology"

A 1,000-year-old astrolabe, resembling a large pocket watch, was discovered in Verona, Italy, shedding light on the scientific exchange between Muslims, Jews, and Christians over nearly a millennium. The relic, believed to have originated in 11th century Andalusia, shows evidence of modifications and adaptations as it changed hands, including translations of Arabic zodiac signs into Hebrew. The astrolabe's inscriptions indicate its use in Spain, North Africa, and eventually within the Jewish diaspora in Italy, highlighting its role as a record of cultural and scientific collaboration.