Phoenix


The Phoenix was a bird with a beautiful voice and feathers of gold and red. The bird lived for a long time, usually 500 years. When a phoenix reached the end of its life, it would build a nest of herbs and twigs, light it and throw itself into the flames. A new phoenix would be born from the ashes. The phoenix was associated with life, rebirth and immortality. The bird appeared on ancient Egyptian and Roman coins.
Phoenix is one of the Southern Hemisphere constellations introduced by Johann Bayer in 1603. The constellation is in fact rather like a large bird, rising into the air.
The constellation has been known as "The Boat" by the Arabs, then it became an eagle or other type of bird, so Bayer's decision to call it a phoenix does have some historical beginnings.

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