The astrolabe's origins are shrouded in mystery, but it's generally believed to have been developed independently in Ancient Greece and Ancient Mesopotamia.

Here's a breakdown:

* Ancient Greece: The earliest known written descriptions of the astrolabe are from Hipparchus of Nicaea (circa 190-120 BC). He is considered the father of trigonometry and used the instrument to measure celestial positions. However, it's possible the device existed before his time.

* Ancient Mesopotamia: Some historians believe the astrolabe was developed in Mesopotamia even earlier than in Greece. The Babylonian civilization was known for its advanced astronomy and may have used an astrolabe-like instrument for navigation and timekeeping.

It's important to note:

* The astrolabe underwent significant development and refinement over centuries.

* Many cultures, including the Arab world, Islamic scholars, and European astronomers contributed to its evolution and made it the precise and versatile tool it became.

So, while the exact inventor remains unknown, it's clear that the astrolabe was a product of collective ingenuity across different civilizations.