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Journals: Archaeologia Baltica

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An archaeoastronomical study of the “Neo-Pythagorean Basilica” at Porta Maggiore in Rome

Lucilla Labianca Ida Sciortino Silvia Gaudenzi All authors (6)

Pub. online: 20 Dec 2008 Type: Article

Open Access

Journal: Archaeologia Baltica Volume 10 (2008): Astronomy and Cosmology in Folk Traditions and Cultural Heritage, pp. 195–199

Abstract

The so-called ‘Neo-Pythagorean Basilica’ at Porta Maggiore in Rome is one of the most famous and most discussed hypogeal monuments in Rome. It was certainly in use for a short time during the first half of the first century AD, but its purpose is still far from clear. The most probable interpretation is that it was a temple dedicated to Neo-Pythagorean cults. We describe here the preliminary results of a detailed archaeoastronomical study of the Basilica undertaken in order to contribute to the understanding of the role of this fascinating monument.

A geometrical analysis of Mesoamerican pre-hispanic architecture: squaring triads, numbers, length units and the calendar

Marcello Ranieri

Pub. online: 20 Dec 2008 Type: Article

Open Access

Journal: Archaeologia Baltica Volume 10 (2008): Astronomy and Cosmology in Folk Traditions and Cultural Heritage, pp. 183–194

Abstract

This work extends to Mesoamerica researches on archaic geometry previously performed on architectures of the “Old World”. CAD (Computer Aided Design ) tools are used to fit theoretical forms to spatial segments on archaeological plans. The analyses provide quantitative information on the forms, on the numbers involved and on the units of length used. Everywhere, numbers appear mainly to be multiples of 9, 10 and 13, rather than pertaining to Squaring Triads, although these are nonetheless attested in all regions. Three units of length are found: a “Teotihuacán unit” t ≈ 0.58 m, a “Monte Albán unit” ma ≈ 0.50 m and a “Chichen Itza unit” ci ≈ 0.66 m. Units t and ma clearly appear to be linked to the distances between the main monuments, associated with the Tzolkin calendrical numbers 13-20 at Teotihuacán and with the Haab calendrical numbers 18-20 at Monte Albán.

Cosmological motifs of Peruvian huacas

John McKim Malville Michael Zawaski Steven Gullberg

Pub. online: 20 Dec 2008 Type: Article

Open Access

Journal: Archaeologia Baltica Volume 10 (2008): Astronomy and Cosmology in Folk Traditions and Cultural Heritage, pp. 175–182

Abstract

Characteristics of Andean huacas are summarized with examples from Urubamba, Machu Picchu, Llactapata, and Chankillo. We identify the pillars on the ridge above the town of Urubamba as a marker of June solstice sunrise to be viewed from the Palace of Huayna Capac. Both ends of the sightline connecting the pillars and the Palace appear to have been huacas. The large carved Intiwatana stone in the Urubamba canyon symbolically ties together Machu Picchu and the nearby ceremonial center of Llactapata. The astronomically complex site of Chankillo includes evidence for ceremonial observations of the solstices and shamanic ritual, set within a large-scale geometry established by June solstice sunset/December solstice sunrise.

Thracian dolmens and their orientations

Antonio César González García Vesselina Koleva Dimitar Kolev All authors (4)

Pub. online: 20 Dec 2008 Type: Article

Open Access

Journal: Archaeologia Baltica Volume 10 (2008): Astronomy and Cosmology in Folk Traditions and Cultural Heritage, pp. 170–174

Abstract

Spread over south-eastern Bulgaria, northern Greece and the European part of Turkey are a large number of megalithic tombs. These dolmens were built from around the twelfth century BC to about the sixth century BC. The monuments were built with well cut slabs, defining a rectangular space with a roof. A small hole marks the entrance. A dromos is also present in some dolmens and all of these structures used to be covered by a tumulus. We present the first results from a series of campaigns devoted to measuring the orientation of these structures. The first campaign was carried out in the Strandja Mountains where 31 dolmens (among other monuments) were measured. The dolmens are not orientated at random, and a particular pattern of orientation has been found for the entrance of these monuments. Several tentative explanations are attempted and supported with information provided by contemporary Greek sources.

Images on the stones at Scebiaraky village in North-West Belarus

Andrei Prokhorov

Pub. online: 20 Dec 2008 Type: Article

Open Access

Journal: Archaeologia Baltica Volume 10 (2008): Astronomy and Cosmology in Folk Traditions and Cultural Heritage, pp. 163–169

Abstract

This paper focuses on five stones with ancient incised images containing the symbol of a pole with a semicircle or a cross at its top. This symbol had a cosmological meaning and represented a projection of the “heavenly sphere” onto a flat surface. The strict orientation of the stones and the symbols to the north indicates a ceremonial “world axis” directed to North Star. This symbol of the “world axis” was used during funerary rituals at gravestones The Scebiaraky site is an example of Baltic sacred stones (stabas) in the Baltic-Slavic contact zone.

The nuraghic well of Santa Cristina, Paulilatino, Oristano, Sardinia. A verification of the astronomical hypothesis: work in process, preliminary results

Arnold Lebeuf

Pub. online: 20 Dec 2008 Type: Article

Open Access

Journal: Archaeologia Baltica Volume 10 (2008): Astronomy and Cosmology in Folk Traditions and Cultural Heritage, pp. 155–162

Abstract

The Nuraghic well of Santa Cristina, Sardinia has been regarded as a ritual monument built to receive moonlight on its water mirror at the time of the meridian passage of the moon when it reaches its highest point in the sky during and around the major northern lunistice. In this paper we investigate the precision that could have been achieved and conclude that the well could indeed have served as an instrument for measuring the lunar declination during half of the draconic cycle of 18.61 years.

On the origin of the Roman idea of town: geometrical and astronomical references

Giulio Magli

Pub. online: 20 Dec 2008 Type: Article

Open Access

Journal: Archaeologia Baltica Volume 10 (2008): Astronomy and Cosmology in Folk Traditions and Cultural Heritage, pp. 149–154

Abstract

Recent ideas about the formation of the Roman tradition of town layout and the associated foundation rituals are briefly reviewed. The example of Cosa is used as a case study to investigate the possible existence of an archaic, tripartite layout, as is mentioned by some authoritative ancient writers.

The Xiangfen, Taosi Site: a Chinese neolithic “observatory”?

David W. Pankenier Ciyuan Y. Liu Salvo De Meis

Pub. online: 20 Dec 2008 Type: Article

Open Access

Journal: Archaeologia Baltica Volume 10 (2008): Astronomy and Cosmology in Folk Traditions and Cultural Heritage, pp. 141–148

Abstract

The Taosi late Neolithic site is located in Shanxi Province in north-central China. Three decades of excavation have unearthed storage pits, dwellings, and many artifacts, identified as the Taosi culture type (4300 to 3900 BP). Recent excavations led to the discovery of the tombs of chiefs of the Early Taosi period, and the largest walled-town in prehistoric China. A semicircular foundation built in about 4100 BP along the southern wall was also discovered. The design of the raised terrace within it would have permitted observations of sunrise at specific dates along the eastern horizon. Here we report on what has been learned about this fascinating site, and analyze its astronomical features and function.

Reading, writing, and recording the architecture: how astronomical cycles may be reflected in the architectural construction at Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, USA

Gregory E. Munson Bryan C. Bates Larry V. Nordby

Pub. online: 20 Dec 2008 Type: Article

Open Access

Journal: Archaeologia Baltica Volume 10 (2008): Astronomy and Cosmology in Folk Traditions and Cultural Heritage, pp. 131–140

Abstract

When tree ring dates at Mesa Verde National Park were plotted as a function of time along the lunar standstill cycle, a correlation was evident, leading to the hypothesis that architectural features and construction phases were timed according to the lunar 18.6 year cycle. A detailed architectural analysis at Sun Temple and tree ring analysis support the sub-hypothesis that lunar maximums were observed over Sun Temple from the Painted Tower area of Cliff Palace. Tree ring dates at Balcony House and Square Tower House suggest a similar relationship between construction of specialized architecture such as kivas and the lunar maximum cycle.

Orientations at the Minoan peak sanctuary on Philioremos near Gonies (Maleviziou), Crete

Göran Henriksson Mary Blomberg

Pub. online: 20 Dec 2008 Type: Article

Open Access

Journal: Archaeologia Baltica Volume 10 (2008): Astronomy and Cosmology in Folk Traditions and Cultural Heritage, pp. 125–130

Abstract

As part of the Uppsala University archaeoastronomical project to study the Minoan calendar, we have investigated representative examples of their buildings and found on Philioremos the third example of a peak sanctuary related to sunrise at the summer solstice. This is the nineteenth example of an important Minoan building exactly related to a major yearly event of the lunisolar calendar that was remembered in archaic Greek literature. An important achievement of our project is the discovery of cooperation among Minoans at different sites to mark major celestial events and of well-developed methods for maintaining a seasonally correct lunisolar calendar that began in connection with the autumn equinox.

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