Abraham Zacuto (also spelled as Zacut or Zacutus) was a Sephardic Jewish astronomer, mathematician, rabbi, and historian. He was born around 1452 in Salamanca, Spain, and died around 1515 in Jerusalem. Zacuto made significant contributions to the fields of astronomy, mathematics, and Jewish historiography during the late 15th and early 16th centuries.
Zacuto is best known for his work on the astronomical tables titled “Almanach Perpetuum,” which he completed in 1478. This work provided detailed astronomical data, including the positions of celestial bodies, eclipses, and planetary movements. The “Almanach Perpetuum” was widely used by navigators and astronomers of the time, including Christopher Columbus, who consulted it in planning his voyages to the New World.
Zacuto’s expertise in astronomy was recognized by King John II of Portugal, who invited him to Lisbon to teach astronomy and mathematics at the University of Lisbon. During his time in Portugal, Zacuto also served as the royal astronomer and participated in various maritime expeditions.
In addition to his contributions to astronomy, Zacuto was also known for his historical works. He authored “Sefer Yuchasin” (“Book of Lineages”), a comprehensive history of the Jewish people from biblical times to his contemporary era. This work became an important source for Jewish genealogy and historical research.
Regarding the “cielo de Salamanca” or “sky of Salamanca,” there seems to be some confusion or misinformation. While Zacuto was born in Salamanca, there’s no indication that he was directly involved in painting any celestial frescoes or works of art in the city. It’s possible that there might be some confusion with another figure or artwork. However, Zacuto’s influence in Salamanca would have been more in the realms of academia and intellectual pursuits, particularly in the fields of astronomy and mathematics.