Reading, writing, and recording the architecture: how astronomical cycles may be reflected in the architectural construction at Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, USA
Volume 10 (2008): Astronomy and Cosmology in Folk Traditions and Cultural Heritage, pp. 131–140
Pub. online: 20 December 2008
Type: Article
Open Access
Open Access
Received
16 October 2007
16 October 2007
Revised
10 March 2008
10 March 2008
Published
20 December 2008
20 December 2008
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.