Norman Lockyer's astronomical theory of stone monuments. Sir Norman Lockyer, Astronomer Royal and founder of Nature journal, wrote a book on stone monuments considered astronomically Lockyer established that classical temples were oriented toward sunrise or specific stars/sun/moon He found Stonehenge aligned to astronomical phenomena
Sir Norman Lockyer — pioneering solar astronomer and founder of Nature — argued classical temples and monuments like Stonehenge aligned with sunrise or specific stars. His books sparked a megalithomania wave, with people chasing alignments at stone circles. Later archaeologists criticized the astronomy angle while ironically using similar logic. Wild stuff 🔭
Key Facts
- Sir Norman Lockyer, Astronomer Royal and founder of Nature journal, wrote a book on stone monuments considered astronomically
- Lockyer established that classical temples were oriented toward sunrise or specific stars/sun/moon
- He found Stonehenge aligned to astronomical phenomena
- This caused an outburst of megalithomania with groups searching for sunrise alignments at stone circles
- Revival of Druidry in Wales accompanied Lockyer's work, joined by nationalist antiquarians and clergymen
- Lockyer was later criticized by archaeologists who attributed astronomy to ancient peoples but didn't accept it as evidence
Related site: Stonehenge — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: John Michell | Megalithomania Revisited | Artists & Antiquarians at the Old Stone Monuments | AUDIO by MegalithomaniaUK