Celestial Geometry: Understanding the Astronomical Meanings of Ancient Sites - Hardcover

Taylor, Ken

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1780283865 ISBN 13: 9781780283869

Publisher: Watkins Publishing, 2012

Synopsis

This book travels the world to explore over 60 archaeological sites that enshrine the remarkable achievements of ancient astronomers. In many cultures, an early understanding of the cosmos is expressed through architecture—stone circles that act as giant computers for the timing of eclipses or connections with the rising or setting of planets. The author’s focus ranges broadly—from the great stone circles of Europe to the pyramids of Egypt and the pyramid-temples of Central America, from the medicine wheels of North America to the carved monoliths of Easter Island. In part, however, the book’s value lies in its revelation of astronomical alignments in lesser-known structures, such as the vast sun clock of Goseck in Germany and the ancient rock art of Australia. The book is organized by key celestial events including lunar and solar eclipses, and features original artwork showing key alignments and the movements of the planets and stars. The book offers beautiful and fascinating insights into the mysteries of the ancient world—and a vision of mankind’s efforts to integrate our sense of spiritual belonging with the mysteries of space and time.

About this title

About the Author

Ken Taylor has an established reputation for carefully researched and lucid writing exploring ancient traditions with contemporary applications. He has worked as an archaeologist and has written extensively on Palaeolithic alignments, celestial events, earth energies, astronomy and mythology.

Reviews

This visually stunning romp through the dynamic world of archaeological astronomy takes readers on a mysterious journey from the well-known topics of Stonehenge, Machu Picchu, and Easter Island to a lesser known variety, including Germany’s Die Externsteine, China’s Dengfeng, and India’s Vijayanagara. These places, which have long fascinated young and old alike, are presented here in spectacular color images, well-balanced by a solid narrative and insightful details. Although it is hard to tell where this work of holy temples, sprawling pyramids, sacred spots, and cryptic places fits into the standard curriculum, it should garner a wide readership among general readers. --Brian Odom

Edition details

• Publisher: Watkins Publishing
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1780283865
• ISBN 13: 9781780283869
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 240