The Freie Universität Berlin has launched the website for its project researching the formations of ancient zodiacal and mathematised cosmology in the near east and beyond, seeking ‘to develop a convincing account of how zodiacal astral science emerged, was cross-culturally transmitted and able to take root in different ancient cultures. It will do so on the basis of a new hypothesis: Zodiacal astral science emerged and was transmitted across the ancient world because it offered universally appealing, adaptable solutions to social, religious and political needs that emerged in multi-cultural empires.‘

The page [https://www.geschkult.fu-berlin.de/en/e/zodiac/research/index.html ] is already an excellent short introduction to the immense holes in our research-picture of this crucial step in cosmological evolution, and promises much of interest as the project develops.