Abstract
In this paper I want to cast some light on what must have been, to ancient astronomers, one of the most interesting aspects of tables, that is, their potential to analyse the predictive errors of a model, uncovering the theoretical variables on which it depends, thus paving the way to build newer and more accurate models. I will show this using as an example the development of Ptolemy´s lunar model in his Almagest. This is not only is one of the few stances where Ptolemy gives us some hints of his steps towards the final model, but it is also one of the more complex models he ever presents. Thus, by showing how the tables work in the context of a very complicated investigation, the lunar model serves as an excellent case to argue for the importance of tables in the developmental stages of Ptolemy´s system.
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