Coma Berenices, which translates to ‘Berenice’s Hair’ in Latin is one of the few constellations to be named after a real historical figure. Queen Berenice II ruled Egypt with King Ptolemy III, who left for war against the Seleucids in 243 BC.
Berenice vowed to Aphrodite that if her husband was returned safely, she would sacrifice her famously beautiful long, blonde hair. Once Ptolemy came home, Berenice fulfilled her promise to the goddess by cutting off her hair and placing it in Aphrodite’s temple. The next day, the offering had disappeared. The king was furious at what his wife had been made to sacrifice. To appease him, the court astronomer Conon said Aphrodite was so pleased with Berenice’s sacrifice that she had placed it in the sky for all eternity.
This constellation is best seen between late March and June from anywhere in the northern hemisphere.
This A5 watercolour comes with its own carefully researched History Note detailing the story behind the constellation. As Coma Berenices is closely associated with love and sacrifice, she would make the perfect gift for a couple of romance lover.
Coma Berenices, which translates to ‘Berenice’s Hair’ in Latin is one of the few constellations to be named after a real historical figure. Queen Berenice II ruled Egypt with King Ptolemy III, who left for war against the Seleucids in 243 BC.
Berenice vowed to Aphrodite that if her husband was returned safely, she would sacrifice her famously beautiful long, blonde hair. Once Ptolemy came home, Berenice fulfilled her promise to the goddess by cutting off her hair and placing it in Aphrodite’s temple. The next day, the offering had disappeared. The king was furious at what his wife had been made to sacrifice. To appease him, the court astronomer Conon said Aphrodite was so pleased with Berenice’s sacrifice that she had placed it in the sky for all eternity.
This constellation is best seen between late March and June from anywhere in the northern hemisphere.
This A5 watercolour comes with its own carefully researched History Note detailing the story behind the constellation. As Coma Berenices is closely associated with love and sacrifice, she would make the perfect gift for a couple of romance lover.
