The zodiac was an establish decoration element in late antiquity, with samples of it appearing in both profane and sacred buildings; the latter include Mithraic temples, Synagogues, as well as Early Christian churches. Zodiacs later appear as decoration motifs in medieval and renaissance churches.

Although the occupation with astronomy was considered by the Fathers of the Church an engagement in vanity (“πολυάσχολος ματαιότης”, according to Basil the Great), the Byzantines were attracted by astronomy and astrology. Thus, the zodiac cycles were the subject of study during the Byzantine period and were often depicted in various forms of art (eg manuscripts, frescoes, mosaics). In wall paintings, the zodiac is part of the Ainoi (Laudes) and the “Wheel of Life” iconography, in which they were interpreted through the prism of Christianity.

During the post-Byzantine period, the zodiac cycles are found in art and especially in wall paintings, and later in portable icons as secondary elements in the attempt to depict time and the world. Their presence in Greek churches increases during this period. However, in the 19th c. this type of iconography with zodiac cycles, become extremely rare.

In this presentation, we will try to examine these post-Byzantine zodiacs, to see if they follow certain stylistic conventions, or are independent works of art. We will also examine the possible influence of the Greek enlightenment to the increase and eventual disappearance of the zodiacs in churches.