Al-Rumḥ - Revision history

Sushoff: /* IAU Working Group Star Names */

2026-04-02T07:10:03Z

IAU Working Group Star Names

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	==IAU Working Group Star Names==		==IAU Working Group Star Names==
			The name "Alrumh" (or similar) was suggested to WGSN in 2026, as there is a Chinese asterism of The Lance in the same area of the sky (but not exactly the same stars). The idea was to give the name "The Lance" in two different languages to two stars in the area pointing to a random coincidence of similar names in the sky. The Lance is a longish object, covering an area - and it is held by a person (whose constellation covers an even larger area). The two stars identified with the al-Rumh (eps, eta Boo) are both named but perhaps a dimmer star in that area (in between the two?) could be used to resemble the historical constellation?

	== Weblinks ==		== Weblinks ==

Sushoff at 04:32, 31 March 2026

2026-03-31T04:32:13Z

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	Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}		Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
	----		----[[File:Al-Rumḥ figure.png\|thumb\|320x320px\|Star chart of the Arabian asterism al-Rumh (الرُّمْح) as defined by al-Ṣūfī in the area of Boötis constellation including the figure as described by al-Ṣūfī. (CC BY Khalid AlAjaji 2026).]]Al-Rumḥ (الرُّمْح) is an asterism in the Arabian constellation [[Al-Simakan\|al-Simākān]] in [[Bootes]].<ref>Ibn Qutayba al-Dīnawarī, Abū Muḥammad ʿAbdallah b. Muslim. 1956. ''Kitāb al-anwāʾ (fī mawāsim al-ʿArab)''. Hyderabad: Maṭbaʿat Majlis Dāʾirat al-Maʿārif al-ʿUthmāniyya.</ref><ref>Kunitzsch, Paul. 1961. ''Untersuchungen zur Sternnomenklatur der Araber.'' Wiesbaden: Otto Harrassowitz.</ref><ref>al-Ṣūfī, Abū al-Ḥusayn ʿAbd al-Raḥmān b. ʿUmar. 1981. ''Kitāb ṣuwar al-kawākib al-thamāniya wa al-arbaʿīn.'' Beirut: Dār al-Āfāq al-Jadīda.</ref>
	[[File:Al-~~Rumh~~.png\|thumb\|Star chart of the Arabian asterism al-Rumh (الرُّمْح) as defined by al-Ṣūfī in the area of Boötis constellation. (CC BY Khalid AlAjaji 2026).]]
	Al-Rumḥ (الرُّمْح) is an asterism in the Arabian constellation [[Al-Simakan\|al-Simākān]] in [[Bootes]].<ref>Ibn Qutayba al-Dīnawarī, Abū Muḥammad ʿAbdallah b. Muslim. 1956. ''Kitāb al-anwāʾ (fī mawāsim al-ʿArab)''. Hyderabad: Maṭbaʿat Majlis Dāʾirat al-Maʿārif al-ʿUthmāniyya.</ref><ref>Kunitzsch, Paul. 1961. ''Untersuchungen zur Sternnomenklatur der Araber.'' Wiesbaden: Otto Harrassowitz.</ref><ref>al-Ṣūfī, Abū al-Ḥusayn ʿAbd al-Raḥmān b. ʿUmar. 1981. ''Kitāb ṣuwar al-kawākib al-thamāniya wa al-arbaʿīn.'' Beirut: Dār al-Āfāq al-Jadīda.</ref>

	==Concordance, Etymology, History==		==Concordance, Etymology, History==

Sushoff at 04:31, 31 March 2026

2026-03-31T04:31:31Z

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	Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}		Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
	----		----
	[[File:Rumh ~~of Simakan RL map+draw~~.png\|thumb\|Arabian ~~constellation~~ al-~~Simak with Lances and Armes~~ (CC BY ~~Roland Laffitte 2025~~).]]		[[File:Al-Rumh.png\|thumb\|Star chart of the Arabian asterism al-Rumh (الرُّمْح) as defined by al-Ṣūfī in the area of Boötis constellation. (CC BY Khalid AlAjaji 2026).]]

	Al-Rumḥ (الرُّمْح) is an asterism in the Arabian constellation [[Al-Simakan\|al-Simākān]] in [[Bootes]].<ref>Ibn Qutayba al-Dīnawarī, Abū Muḥammad ʿAbdallah b. Muslim. 1956. ''Kitāb al-anwāʾ (fī mawāsim al-ʿArab)''. Hyderabad: Maṭbaʿat Majlis Dāʾirat al-Maʿārif al-ʿUthmāniyya.</ref><ref>Kunitzsch, Paul. 1961. ''Untersuchungen zur Sternnomenklatur der Araber.'' Wiesbaden: Otto Harrassowitz.</ref><ref>al-Ṣūfī, Abū al-Ḥusayn ʿAbd al-Raḥmān b. ʿUmar. 1981. ''Kitāb ṣuwar al-kawākib al-thamāniya wa al-arbaʿīn.'' Beirut: Dār al-Āfāq al-Jadīda.</ref>		Al-Rumḥ (الرُّمْح) is an asterism in the Arabian constellation [[Al-Simakan\|al-Simākān]] in [[Bootes]].<ref>Ibn Qutayba al-Dīnawarī, Abū Muḥammad ʿAbdallah b. Muslim. 1956. ''Kitāb al-anwāʾ (fī mawāsim al-ʿArab)''. Hyderabad: Maṭbaʿat Majlis Dāʾirat al-Maʿārif al-ʿUthmāniyya.</ref><ref>Kunitzsch, Paul. 1961. ''Untersuchungen zur Sternnomenklatur der Araber.'' Wiesbaden: Otto Harrassowitz.</ref><ref>al-Ṣūfī, Abū al-Ḥusayn ʿAbd al-Raḥmān b. ʿUmar. 1981. ''Kitāb ṣuwar al-kawākib al-thamāniya wa al-arbaʿīn.'' Beirut: Dār al-Āfāq al-Jadīda.</ref>

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	=== Roland Laffitte ===		=== Roland Laffitte ===
			[[File:Rumh of Simakan RL map+draw.png\|thumb\|Arabian constellation al-Simak with Lances and Armes (CC BY Roland Laffitte 2025).]]
	Laffitte (2012<ref>Roland Laffitte, ''Le ciel des Arabes'', 2012</ref>, 2025<ref>Roland Laffitte, ''Nommer les étoile: 500 noms hérités des Arabes - Apport de l'uranographie arabe'', Orient des Mots, 2025 ([https://uranos.fr/500-noms-herites-des-arabes/ online])</ref>) treats Al-Rumh as an alternative name for [[Muphrid]] (η Boo) in the constellation [[Al-Simakan\|al-Simākān]], The Two Supporters, one armed, one disarmed:		Laffitte (2012<ref>Roland Laffitte, ''Le ciel des Arabes'', 2012</ref>, 2025<ref>Roland Laffitte, ''Nommer les étoile: 500 noms hérités des Arabes - Apport de l'uranographie arabe'', Orient des Mots, 2025 ([https://uranos.fr/500-noms-herites-des-arabes/ online])</ref>) treats Al-Rumh as an alternative name for [[Muphrid]] (η Boo) in the constellation [[Al-Simakan\|al-Simākān]], The Two Supporters, one armed, one disarmed:

Sushoff: /* Roland Lafitte */

2026-03-31T04:29:13Z

Roland Lafitte

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	</blockquote>		</blockquote>

	=== Roland ~~Lafitte~~ ===		=== Roland Laffitte ===
	Laffitte (2012<ref>Roland Laffitte, ''Le ciel des Arabes'', 2012</ref>, 2025<ref>Roland Laffitte, ''Nommer les étoile: 500 noms hérités des Arabes - Apport de l'uranographie arabe'', Orient des Mots, 2025 ([https://uranos.fr/500-noms-herites-des-arabes/ online])</ref>) treats Al-Rumh as an alternative name for [[Muphrid]] (η Boo) in the constellation [[Al-Simakan\|al-Simākān]], The Two Supporters, one armed, one disarmed:		Laffitte (2012<ref>Roland Laffitte, ''Le ciel des Arabes'', 2012</ref>, 2025<ref>Roland Laffitte, ''Nommer les étoile: 500 noms hérités des Arabes - Apport de l'uranographie arabe'', Orient des Mots, 2025 ([https://uranos.fr/500-noms-herites-des-arabes/ online])</ref>) treats Al-Rumh as an alternative name for [[Muphrid]] (η Boo) in the constellation [[Al-Simakan\|al-Simākān]], The Two Supporters, one armed, one disarmed:

Sushoff at 04:27, 31 March 2026

2026-03-31T04:27:11Z

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	! Classical Arabic Name !! Modern Designation !! Role in the Asterism		! Classical Arabic Name !! Modern Designation !! Role in the Asterism
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Al-Simāk al-Rāmiḥ''' \|\| α Boötis (Arcturus) \|\| The Lancer		\| '''Al-Simāk al-Rāmiḥ''' \|\| α Boötis ([[Arcturus]]) \|\| The Lancer
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Rāyat al-Simāk''' \|\| ε Boötis (Izar) \|\| The Banner / Head of the Spear		\| '''Rāyat al-Simāk''' \|\| ε Boötis ([[Izar]]) \|\| The Banner / Head of the Spear
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''Al-Rumḥ''' (per al-Ṣūfī) \|\| ε and η Boötis (Muphrid) \|\| The shaft and points of the Spear		\| '''Al-Rumḥ''' (per al-Ṣūfī) \|\| ε and η Boötis ([[Muphrid]]) \|\| The shaft and points of the Spear
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''‘Adhabah''' \|\| σ, ρ and τ, υ Boötis \|\| The streamers or pennants		\| '''‘Adhabah''' \|\| σ, ρ and τ, υ Boötis \|\| The streamers or pennants

KhalidAlAjaji: /* Reference */

2026-03-31T01:24:22Z

Reference

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	'''Al-Marzūqī''' provides a more specific spatial orientation, placing this star in relation to the constellation Corona Borealis ''al-Fakkah'':		'''Al-Marzūqī''' provides a more specific spatial orientation, placing this star in relation to the constellation Corona Borealis ''al-Fakkah'':
	<blockquote>"When ''al-Fakkah'' reaches the meridian, or nears it... you will see ''al-Simāk al-Rāmiḥ'' (Arcturus) positioned before it. You will also see ''Rāyat al-Simāk'' [ε Boötis] behind it, situated between [Arcturus] and ''al-Fakkah''. This is a star set apart from it, joined by another nearby star that resembles a streamer (''‘adhabah'') on a lance. For this reason, it is called 'The Lancer' (''al-Rāmiḥ'') and 'The Possessor of the Weapon' (''Dhū al-Silāḥ''), while the other Simāk is called 'The Unarmed' (''al-A‘zal'')." <ref>Al-Marzūqī, Abū ʿAli Aḥmad b. Muḥammad b. al-Ḥassan (d. 1030). 2002. ''Al-Azminah wa al-amkinah'' (Times and Places). Critical edition by Dr. Mohammad Nayef al-Dulaymi. Beirut: World of Books, p. 343.</ref></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote>		<blockquote>"When ''al-Fakkah'' reaches the meridian, or nears it... you will see ''al-Simāk al-Rāmiḥ'' (Arcturus) positioned before it. You will also see ''Rāyat al-Simāk'' [ε Boötis] behind it, situated between [Arcturus] and ''al-Fakkah''. This is a star set apart from it, joined by another nearby star that resembles a streamer (''‘adhabah'') on a lance. For this reason, it is called 'The Lancer' (''al-Rāmiḥ'') and 'The Possessor of the Weapon' (''Dhū al-Silāḥ''), while the other Simāk is called 'The Unarmed' (''al-A‘zal'')." <ref>Al-Marzūqī, Abū ʿAli Aḥmad b. Muḥammad b. al-Ḥassan (d. 1030). 2002. ''Al-Azminah wa al-amkinah'' (Times and Places). Critical edition by Dr. Mohammad Nayef al-Dulaymi. Beirut: World of Books, vol. 2, p. 343.</ref></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote>
	===== Al-Ṣūfī’s Synthesis: ''Al-Rumḥ'' and ''Al-Silāḥ'' (The Weapon) =====		===== Al-Ṣūfī’s Synthesis: ''Al-Rumḥ'' and ''Al-Silāḥ'' (The Weapon) =====
	</blockquote><blockquote>		</blockquote><blockquote>

KhalidAlAjaji at 01:05, 31 March 2026

2026-03-31T01:05:58Z

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	In his astronomical book ''Kitāb al-Kawākib'', \|al-Ṣūfī provides a more detailed celestial map, describing ''al-Rumḥ'' as a complex configuration of stars marking the head and the foot of the lance. He distinguishes the "Lancer" (Arcturus) from its armament (''al-Silāḥ''):		In his astronomical book ''Kitāb al-Kawākib'', \|al-Ṣūfī provides a more detailed celestial map, describing ''al-Rumḥ'' as a complex configuration of stars marking the head and the foot of the lance. He distinguishes the "Lancer" (Arcturus) from its armament (''al-Silāḥ''):

	<blockquote>[[File:Al-Rumḥ figure.png\|thumb\|Star chart of the Arabian asterism al-Rumh (الرُّمْح) as defined by al-Ṣūfī in the area of Boötis constellation including the figure as described by al-Ṣūfī. (CC BY Khalid AlAjaji 2026).]]"As for the single [star] outside the figure [of Boötes], it is the bright red one located between its thighs... it is this which is called '''al-Simāk al-Rāmiḥ''' [α Boo]. The Arabs... called it ''Rāmiḥ'' (The Lancer) because they likened the sixteenth star on its thigh [ε Boo] and the twentieth star on its left leg [η Boo] to a '''lance''' (''rumḥ'') belonging to it. They likened the two close stars on the waist—the seventeenth and eighteenth [σ and ρ Boo]—to a '''streamer''' (''‘adhabah'') for the end of the lance where the sixteenth star is located; and they likened the twenty-first and twenty-second stars [τ and υ Boo] to a streamer for the end where the twentieth star is located." <ref name=":0">Ibn al-Ṣūfī, Abū ʿali al-Ḥusayn b. ʿAbd al-Raḥmān. 2021. ''Urjuzat al-kawākib'' (The Poem of the Stars). Critical edition with commentary by Khalid al-Ajaji, digital edition. [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1s6JXzftwjMQ5rgZoGE3718EtBLBZtjzr (online)], p 232.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>[[File:Al-Rumḥ figure.png\|thumb\|320x320px\|Star chart of the Arabian asterism al-Rumh (الرُّمْح) as defined by al-Ṣūfī in the area of Boötis constellation including the figure as described by al-Ṣūfī. (CC BY Khalid AlAjaji 2026).]]"As for the single [star] outside the figure [of Boötes], it is the bright red one located between its thighs... it is this which is called '''al-Simāk al-Rāmiḥ''' [α Boo]. The Arabs... called it ''Rāmiḥ'' (The Lancer) because they likened the sixteenth star on its thigh [ε Boo] and the twentieth star on its left leg [η Boo] to a '''lance''' (''rumḥ'') belonging to it. They likened the two close stars on the waist—the seventeenth and eighteenth [σ and ρ Boo]—to a '''streamer''' (''‘adhabah'') for the end of the lance where the sixteenth star is located; and they likened the twenty-first and twenty-second stars [τ and υ Boo] to a streamer for the end where the twentieth star is located." <ref name=":0">Ibn al-Ṣūfī, Abū ʿali al-Ḥusayn b. ʿAbd al-Raḥmān. 2021. ''Urjuzat al-kawākib'' (The Poem of the Stars). Critical edition with commentary by Khalid al-Ajaji, digital edition. [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1s6JXzftwjMQ5rgZoGE3718EtBLBZtjzr (online)], p 232.</ref></blockquote>
	Al-Ṣūfī also identifies a broader group of faint stars not described by Ptolemy:		Al-Ṣūfī also identifies a broader group of faint stars not described by Ptolemy:
	<blockquote>"The stars surrounding the Simāk among these stars [ζ, ο, ξ, and π Boo] are called by the Arabs al-Silāḥ (The Weapon). Sometimes the twentieth star on the left leg [η Boo] is specifically called al-Rumḥ (The Lance) on its own, while the two stars with it are called al-Silāḥ." <ref name=":0" /></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote>		<blockquote>"The stars surrounding the Simāk among these stars [ζ, ο, ξ, and π Boo] are called by the Arabs al-Silāḥ (The Weapon). Sometimes the twentieth star on the left leg [η Boo] is specifically called al-Rumḥ (The Lance) on its own, while the two stars with it are called al-Silāḥ." <ref name=":0" /></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote>

KhalidAlAjaji at 00:41, 31 March 2026

2026-03-31T00:41:55Z

KhalidAlAjaji at 00:40, 31 March 2026

2026-03-31T00:40:12Z

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	<blockquote>[[File:Al-Rumḥ figure.png\|thumb\|Star chart of the Arabian asterism al-Rumh (الرُّمْح) as defined by al-Ṣūfī in the area of Boötis constellation including the figure as described by al-Ṣūfī. (CC BY Khalid AlAjaji 2026).]]"As for the single [star] outside the figure [of Boötes], it is the bright red one located between its thighs... it is this which is called '''al-Simāk al-Rāmiḥ''' [α Boo]. The Arabs... called it ''Rāmiḥ'' (The Lancer) because they likened the sixteenth star on its thigh [ε Boo] and the twentieth star on its left leg [η Boo] to a '''lance''' (''rumḥ'') belonging to it. They likened the two close stars on the waist—the seventeenth and eighteenth [σ and ρ Boo]—to a '''streamer''' (''‘adhabah'') for the end of the lance where the sixteenth star is located; and they likened the twenty-first and twenty-second stars [τ and υ Boo] to a streamer for the end where the twentieth star is located." <ref name=":0">Ibn al-Ṣūfī, Abū ʿali al-Ḥusayn b. ʿAbd al-Raḥmān. 2021. ''Urjuzat al-kawākib'' (The Poem of the Stars). Critical edition with commentary by Khalid al-Ajaji, digital edition. [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1s6JXzftwjMQ5rgZoGE3718EtBLBZtjzr (online)], p 232.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>[[File:Al-Rumḥ figure.png\|thumb\|Star chart of the Arabian asterism al-Rumh (الرُّمْح) as defined by al-Ṣūfī in the area of Boötis constellation including the figure as described by al-Ṣūfī. (CC BY Khalid AlAjaji 2026).]]"As for the single [star] outside the figure [of Boötes], it is the bright red one located between its thighs... it is this which is called '''al-Simāk al-Rāmiḥ''' [α Boo]. The Arabs... called it ''Rāmiḥ'' (The Lancer) because they likened the sixteenth star on its thigh [ε Boo] and the twentieth star on its left leg [η Boo] to a '''lance''' (''rumḥ'') belonging to it. They likened the two close stars on the waist—the seventeenth and eighteenth [σ and ρ Boo]—to a '''streamer''' (''‘adhabah'') for the end of the lance where the sixteenth star is located; and they likened the twenty-first and twenty-second stars [τ and υ Boo] to a streamer for the end where the twentieth star is located." <ref name=":0">Ibn al-Ṣūfī, Abū ʿali al-Ḥusayn b. ʿAbd al-Raḥmān. 2021. ''Urjuzat al-kawākib'' (The Poem of the Stars). Critical edition with commentary by Khalid al-Ajaji, digital edition. [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1s6JXzftwjMQ5rgZoGE3718EtBLBZtjzr (online)], p 232.</ref></blockquote>
	Al-Ṣūfī also identifies a broader group of faint stars not described by Ptolemy:		Al-Ṣūfī also identifies a broader group of faint stars not described by Ptolemy:
	<blockquote>"The stars surrounding the Simāk among these stars [ζ, ο, ξ, and π Boo] are called by the Arabs al-Silāḥ (The Weapon). Sometimes the twentieth star on the left leg [η Boo] is specifically called al-Rumḥ (The Lance) on its own, while the two stars with it are called al-Silāḥ." <ref name=":0" /></blockquote>		<blockquote>"The stars surrounding the Simāk among these stars [ζ, ο, ξ, and π Boo] are called by the Arabs al-Silāḥ (The Weapon). Sometimes the twentieth star on the left leg [η Boo] is specifically called al-Rumḥ (The Lance) on its own, while the two stars with it are called al-Silāḥ." <ref name=":0" /></blockquote></blockquote>

	~~=== Summary of Star Identifications ===~~

			==== Summary of Star Identifications ====
			<blockquote>
	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
	! Classical Arabic Name !! Modern Designation !! Role in the Asterism		! Classical Arabic Name !! Modern Designation !! Role in the Asterism

KhalidAlAjaji at 00:39, 31 March 2026

2026-03-31T00:39:17Z

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	The presence of this asterism is the defining factor in the naming of Arcturus as '''al-Simāk al-Rāmiḥ''' (السماك الرامح, "The Uplifted One Armed with a Spear"). This designation serves to distinguish it from the star Spica (α Virginis), known as '''al-Simāk al-A‘zal''' (السماك الأعزل, "The Unarmed Uplifted One"), so named because it lacks an associated weaponized asterism.		The presence of this asterism is the defining factor in the naming of Arcturus as '''al-Simāk al-Rāmiḥ''' (السماك الرامح, "The Uplifted One Armed with a Spear"). This designation serves to distinguish it from the star Spica (α Virginis), known as '''al-Simāk al-A‘zal''' (السماك الأعزل, "The Unarmed Uplifted One"), so named because it lacks an associated weaponized asterism.

	The term ''Simāk'' (from the root ''s-m-k'', "to elevate") refers to the high meridian altitude these stars reach in the northern sky.		The term ''Simāk'' (from the root ''s-m-k'', "to elevate") refers to the high meridian altitude these stars reach in the northern sky.</blockquote>

	=== Historical Traditions ===		==== Historical Traditions ====

	==== The ''Anwāʾ'' Tradition: ''Rāyat al-Simāk'' ====		===== The ''Anwāʾ'' Tradition: ''Rāyat al-Simāk'' =====
			<blockquote>
	Philologists and ''Anwāʾ'' authors, such as Ibn Qutaybah and al-Marzūqī, identified the "weapon" of the Lancer primarily as a single star, which they termed '''Rāyat al-Simāk''' ("The Banner of the Simāk").		Philologists and ''Anwāʾ'' authors, such as Ibn Qutaybah and al-Marzūqī, identified the "weapon" of the Lancer primarily as a single star, which they termed '''Rāyat al-Simāk''' ("The Banner of the Simāk").

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	'''Al-Marzūqī''' provides a more specific spatial orientation, placing this star in relation to the constellation Corona Borealis ''al-Fakkah'':		'''Al-Marzūqī''' provides a more specific spatial orientation, placing this star in relation to the constellation Corona Borealis ''al-Fakkah'':
	<blockquote>"When ''al-Fakkah'' reaches the meridian, or nears it... you will see ''al-Simāk al-Rāmiḥ'' (Arcturus) positioned before it. You will also see ''Rāyat al-Simāk'' [ε Boötis] behind it, situated between [Arcturus] and ''al-Fakkah''. This is a star set apart from it, joined by another nearby star that resembles a streamer (''‘adhabah'') on a lance. For this reason, it is called 'The Lancer' (''al-Rāmiḥ'') and 'The Possessor of the Weapon' (''Dhū al-Silāḥ''), while the other Simāk is called 'The Unarmed' (''al-A‘zal'')." <ref>Al-Marzūqī, Abū ʿAli Aḥmad b. Muḥammad b. al-Ḥassan (d. 1030). 2002. ''Al-Azminah wa al-amkinah'' (Times and Places). Critical edition by Dr. Mohammad Nayef al-Dulaymi. Beirut: World of Books, p. 343.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>"When ''al-Fakkah'' reaches the meridian, or nears it... you will see ''al-Simāk al-Rāmiḥ'' (Arcturus) positioned before it. You will also see ''Rāyat al-Simāk'' [ε Boötis] behind it, situated between [Arcturus] and ''al-Fakkah''. This is a star set apart from it, joined by another nearby star that resembles a streamer (''‘adhabah'') on a lance. For this reason, it is called 'The Lancer' (''al-Rāmiḥ'') and 'The Possessor of the Weapon' (''Dhū al-Silāḥ''), while the other Simāk is called 'The Unarmed' (''al-A‘zal'')." <ref>Al-Marzūqī, Abū ʿAli Aḥmad b. Muḥammad b. al-Ḥassan (d. 1030). 2002. ''Al-Azminah wa al-amkinah'' (Times and Places). Critical edition by Dr. Mohammad Nayef al-Dulaymi. Beirut: World of Books, p. 343.</ref></blockquote></blockquote>

	==== Al-Ṣūfī’s Synthesis: ''Al-Rumḥ'' and ''Al-Silāḥ'' (The Weapon) ====		===== Al-Ṣūfī’s Synthesis: ''Al-Rumḥ'' and ''Al-Silāḥ'' (The Weapon) =====
			<blockquote>
	In his astronomical book ''Kitāb al-Kawākib'', \|al-Ṣūfī provides a more detailed celestial map, describing ''al-Rumḥ'' as a complex configuration of stars marking the head and the foot of the lance. He distinguishes the "Lancer" (Arcturus) from its armament (''al-Silāḥ''):		In his astronomical book ''Kitāb al-Kawākib'', \|al-Ṣūfī provides a more detailed celestial map, describing ''al-Rumḥ'' as a complex configuration of stars marking the head and the foot of the lance. He distinguishes the "Lancer" (Arcturus) from its armament (''al-Silāḥ''):

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	The presence of this asterism is the defining factor in the naming of Arcturus as '''al-Simāk al-Rāmiḥ''' (السماك الرامح, "The Uplifted One Armed with a Spear"). This designation serves to distinguish it from the star Spica (α Virginis), known as '''al-Simāk al-A‘zal''' (السماك الأعزل, "The Unarmed Uplifted One"), so named because it lacks an associated weaponized asterism.		The presence of this asterism is the defining factor in the naming of Arcturus as '''al-Simāk al-Rāmiḥ''' (السماك الرامح, "The Uplifted One Armed with a Spear"). This designation serves to distinguish it from the star Spica (α Virginis), known as '''al-Simāk al-A‘zal''' (السماك الأعزل, "The Unarmed Uplifted One"), so named because it lacks an associated weaponized asterism.

	The term ''Simāk'' (from the root ''s-m-k'', "to elevate") refers to the high meridian altitude these stars reach in the northern sky.</blockquote>		The term ''Simāk'' (from the root ''s-m-k'', "to elevate") refers to the high meridian altitude these stars reach in the northern sky.</blockquote><blockquote>

	==== Historical Traditions ====		==== Historical Traditions ====
			</blockquote><blockquote>
	===== The ''Anwāʾ'' Tradition: ''Rāyat al-Simāk'' =====		===== The ''Anwāʾ'' Tradition: ''Rāyat al-Simāk'' =====
	<blockquote>		</blockquote><blockquote>
	Philologists and ''Anwāʾ'' authors, such as Ibn Qutaybah and al-Marzūqī, identified the "weapon" of the Lancer primarily as a single star, which they termed '''Rāyat al-Simāk''' ("The Banner of the Simāk").		Philologists and ''Anwāʾ'' authors, such as Ibn Qutaybah and al-Marzūqī, identified the "weapon" of the Lancer primarily as a single star, which they termed '''Rāyat al-Simāk''' ("The Banner of the Simāk").

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	'''Al-Marzūqī''' provides a more specific spatial orientation, placing this star in relation to the constellation Corona Borealis ''al-Fakkah'':		'''Al-Marzūqī''' provides a more specific spatial orientation, placing this star in relation to the constellation Corona Borealis ''al-Fakkah'':
	<blockquote>"When ''al-Fakkah'' reaches the meridian, or nears it... you will see ''al-Simāk al-Rāmiḥ'' (Arcturus) positioned before it. You will also see ''Rāyat al-Simāk'' [ε Boötis] behind it, situated between [Arcturus] and ''al-Fakkah''. This is a star set apart from it, joined by another nearby star that resembles a streamer (''‘adhabah'') on a lance. For this reason, it is called 'The Lancer' (''al-Rāmiḥ'') and 'The Possessor of the Weapon' (''Dhū al-Silāḥ''), while the other Simāk is called 'The Unarmed' (''al-A‘zal'')." <ref>Al-Marzūqī, Abū ʿAli Aḥmad b. Muḥammad b. al-Ḥassan (d. 1030). 2002. ''Al-Azminah wa al-amkinah'' (Times and Places). Critical edition by Dr. Mohammad Nayef al-Dulaymi. Beirut: World of Books, p. 343.</ref></blockquote></blockquote>		<blockquote>"When ''al-Fakkah'' reaches the meridian, or nears it... you will see ''al-Simāk al-Rāmiḥ'' (Arcturus) positioned before it. You will also see ''Rāyat al-Simāk'' [ε Boötis] behind it, situated between [Arcturus] and ''al-Fakkah''. This is a star set apart from it, joined by another nearby star that resembles a streamer (''‘adhabah'') on a lance. For this reason, it is called 'The Lancer' (''al-Rāmiḥ'') and 'The Possessor of the Weapon' (''Dhū al-Silāḥ''), while the other Simāk is called 'The Unarmed' (''al-A‘zal'')." <ref>Al-Marzūqī, Abū ʿAli Aḥmad b. Muḥammad b. al-Ḥassan (d. 1030). 2002. ''Al-Azminah wa al-amkinah'' (Times and Places). Critical edition by Dr. Mohammad Nayef al-Dulaymi. Beirut: World of Books, p. 343.</ref></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote>

	===== Al-Ṣūfī’s Synthesis: ''Al-Rumḥ'' and ''Al-Silāḥ'' (The Weapon) =====		===== Al-Ṣūfī’s Synthesis: ''Al-Rumḥ'' and ''Al-Silāḥ'' (The Weapon) =====
	<blockquote>		</blockquote><blockquote>
	In his astronomical book ''Kitāb al-Kawākib'', \|al-Ṣūfī provides a more detailed celestial map, describing ''al-Rumḥ'' as a complex configuration of stars marking the head and the foot of the lance. He distinguishes the "Lancer" (Arcturus) from its armament (''al-Silāḥ''):		In his astronomical book ''Kitāb al-Kawākib'', \|al-Ṣūfī provides a more detailed celestial map, describing ''al-Rumḥ'' as a complex configuration of stars marking the head and the foot of the lance. He distinguishes the "Lancer" (Arcturus) from its armament (''al-Silāḥ''):

	<blockquote>[[File:Al-Rumḥ figure.png\|thumb\|Star chart of the Arabian asterism al-Rumh (الرُّمْح) as defined by al-Ṣūfī in the area of Boötis constellation including the figure as described by al-Ṣūfī. (CC BY Khalid AlAjaji 2026).]]"As for the single [star] outside the figure [of Boötes], it is the bright red one located between its thighs... it is this which is called '''al-Simāk al-Rāmiḥ''' [α Boo]. The Arabs... called it ''Rāmiḥ'' (The Lancer) because they likened the sixteenth star on its thigh [ε Boo] and the twentieth star on its left leg [η Boo] to a '''lance''' (''rumḥ'') belonging to it. They likened the two close stars on the waist—the seventeenth and eighteenth [σ and ρ Boo]—to a '''streamer''' (''‘adhabah'') for the end of the lance where the sixteenth star is located; and they likened the twenty-first and twenty-second stars [τ and υ Boo] to a streamer for the end where the twentieth star is located." <ref name=":0">Ibn al-Ṣūfī, Abū ʿali al-Ḥusayn b. ʿAbd al-Raḥmān. 2021. ''Urjuzat al-kawākib'' (The Poem of the Stars). Critical edition with commentary by Khalid al-Ajaji, digital edition. [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1s6JXzftwjMQ5rgZoGE3718EtBLBZtjzr (online)], p 232.</ref></blockquote>		<blockquote>[[File:Al-Rumḥ figure.png\|thumb\|Star chart of the Arabian asterism al-Rumh (الرُّمْح) as defined by al-Ṣūfī in the area of Boötis constellation including the figure as described by al-Ṣūfī. (CC BY Khalid AlAjaji 2026).]]"As for the single [star] outside the figure [of Boötes], it is the bright red one located between its thighs... it is this which is called '''al-Simāk al-Rāmiḥ''' [α Boo]. The Arabs... called it ''Rāmiḥ'' (The Lancer) because they likened the sixteenth star on its thigh [ε Boo] and the twentieth star on its left leg [η Boo] to a '''lance''' (''rumḥ'') belonging to it. They likened the two close stars on the waist—the seventeenth and eighteenth [σ and ρ Boo]—to a '''streamer''' (''‘adhabah'') for the end of the lance where the sixteenth star is located; and they likened the twenty-first and twenty-second stars [τ and υ Boo] to a streamer for the end where the twentieth star is located." <ref name=":0">Ibn al-Ṣūfī, Abū ʿali al-Ḥusayn b. ʿAbd al-Raḥmān. 2021. ''Urjuzat al-kawākib'' (The Poem of the Stars). Critical edition with commentary by Khalid al-Ajaji, digital edition. [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1s6JXzftwjMQ5rgZoGE3718EtBLBZtjzr (online)], p 232.</ref></blockquote>
	Al-Ṣūfī also identifies a broader group of faint stars not described by Ptolemy:		Al-Ṣūfī also identifies a broader group of faint stars not described by Ptolemy:
	<blockquote>"The stars surrounding the Simāk among these stars [ζ, ο, ξ, and π Boo] are called by the Arabs al-Silāḥ (The Weapon). Sometimes the twentieth star on the left leg [η Boo] is specifically called al-Rumḥ (The Lance) on its own, while the two stars with it are called al-Silāḥ." <ref name=":0" /></blockquote></blockquote>		<blockquote>"The stars surrounding the Simāk among these stars [ζ, ο, ξ, and π Boo] are called by the Arabs al-Silāḥ (The Weapon). Sometimes the twentieth star on the left leg [η Boo] is specifically called al-Rumḥ (The Lance) on its own, while the two stars with it are called al-Silāḥ." <ref name=":0" /></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote>

	==== Summary of Star Identifications ====		==== Summary of Star Identifications ====
	<blockquote>		</blockquote><blockquote>
	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
	! Classical Arabic Name !! Modern Designation !! Role in the Asterism		! Classical Arabic Name !! Modern Designation !! Role in the Asterism