The symbolism and use of the number twelve in organizing ancient societies

- Connects the zodiac, the twelve months of the year, and the political divisions of ancient nations

- Explores the sacred geography of ancient landscapes in Europe and Israel

Throughout the world--in countries as far apart as China, Ireland, Iceland, and Madagascar--there survive records and traditions of whole nations being divided into twelve tribes and twelve regions, each corresponding to one of the twelve signs of the zodiac and to one of the twelve months of the year. Best known are the twelve tribes...