Ancient Skies, Sacred Stones: An Introduction to Archaeoastronomical Methods and Interpretations

Abstract

Archaeoastronomy bridges archaeology and astronomy, revealing how ancient cultures integrated celestial observations into their lives. By analysing astronomical alignments in architecture, researchers reconstruct past worldviews, overcoming limitations of written records. This approach highlights the sophistication of ancient societies, where astronomy was integral to ritual, governance, and social structure. Ancient observers, with a geocentric perspective, meticulously tracked celestial phenomena. Understanding their methods requires comprehending the apparent motions of the Sun and stars, celestial coordinate systems, and the impact of Earth's axial precession. Monuments like Stonehenge and Maya pyramids, aligned with solstices and equinoxes, showcase the importance of these events in ancient calendars and rituals. Beyond observation, archaeoastronomy explores the cultural significance of the sky. Constellations, repositories of mythology, and astronomically aligned architecture, like the Pantheon, demonstrate how celestial events reinforced social and religious order. Fieldwork, combining modern surveying with cultural analysis, refines our understanding of ancient sites. The journey begins with early astronomical observations, transitioning to the integration of astronomy into architecture. Megalithic structures like Göbekli Tepe and solar - aligned temples in Malta reflect this early connection. "Hierophanies, " manifestations of the sacred, highlight the ritualistic use of astronomical alignments. Stonehenge and Newgrange exemplify this connection. Stonehenge, aligned with solstices, demonstrates sophisticated astronomical knowledge. Newgrange, with its winter solstice illumination, marks a pivotal moment in archaeoastronomy's development. These sites underscore how archaeoastronomy illuminates the profound connection between ancient societies and the cosmos.