Archaeoastronomy is the study of orientation and alignment of ancient sites with celestial bodies. Archaeoastronomy is the study of orientation and alignment of ancient sites with celestial bodies Archaeoastronomers search for illumination points, shadow movements, and alignment notches Plaza of the Seven Temples features equinox sun alignment where sunlight passes through the temple at dawn on equinox day
Archaeoastronomers study how ancient peoples aligned their temples with the sun, moon and stars. At Mexico's Plaza of the Seven Temples at Dzibilchaltún, equinox sunlight is known to pass through the temple doorway at dawn, illuminating the altar inside. The site features an east-west oriented structure that may have helped ancient Mayans track seasonal changes.
Key facts verified:
- Archaeoastronomy studies alignment of ancient sites with celestial bodies
- Plaza of the Seven Temples at Dzibilchaltún shows equinox solar alignment through its doorway
- East-west orientation at the site relates to tracking seasonal/astronomical events
- The Mayan builders deliberately oriented the temple with astronomical events in mind
Key Facts
- Archaeoastronomy is the study of orientation and alignment of ancient sites with celestial bodies
- Archaeoastronomers search for illumination points, shadow movements, and alignment notches
- Plaza of the Seven Temples features equinox sun alignment where sunlight passes through the temple at dawn on equinox day
- An equinox corridor (large pathway running east to west) is present at the site
- The Mayan people deliberately placed the temple to align with equinox sun
- Observation occurred in 2004 with large crowds gathering to witness the effect
- Pre-existing megalithic stones may have existed before Mayan temple construction
Related site: Plaza of the Seven Temples — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: Introduction to Astro-Archaeology | Stuart Mason | Megalithomania 2007 Conference | Audio Only by MegalithomaniaUK