Thuban is named after a star. Its full astronomical name is "Alpha Draconis"
It was once thought to be the brightest star in the constellation Draco, hence the 'Alpha' designation. The honor really goes to a star named Eltanin, "Gamma Draco". It is believed that Thuban was considerably brighter several thousand years ago.
This star was the pole star at about 2700 BC.
The fact that Thuban was the Pole Star at just
the time the Egyptians were building pyramids hasn't
escaped the archaeologists. Several structures appear
to have been set up to align with Thuban during this time.
The Pole Star -- Wichahpi Owanjila, a star that always stands in one place -- was Thuban (Alpha Draconis) around 3000 BC. Around 7500 AD, Alpha Ceiphei will be the pole star, then Deneb, then bright Vega (14000 AD), then it'll swing around to Thuban again. For many centuries there has been and will be no bright star close enogh to where the pole is to serve as pole star; the bright northern stars and constellations then seem to revolve through the night about an empty center.
Thuban, is a mag. 3.7 A type (white).
Thuban is the Arabic name for Dragon. To find Thuban,
sweep down the length of the Little Dipper, and jump
over to the end of the handle of the Big Dipper.
Midway is found a much fainter star, which is Thuban.