Ancient Astronomy: An Encyclopedia of Cosmologies and Myth - Hardcover

Ruggles, Clive L.N.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1851094776 ISBN 13: 9781851094776

Publisher: ABC-CLIO, 2005

Synopsis

An authoritative introduction to the fascinating topic of archaeoastronomy―ancient peoples' understanding and use of the skies.

· Over 200 A–Z entries covering broad definitions and concepts, case studies from five continents, themes and issues, objects in the sky as the focus of myth, basic concepts, and influential people

· Vibrant illustrations including the stone circles at Avebury, comets, novae, and meteors

· Simple, jargon-free explanations of basic astronomical concepts

· Over 40 images including the Stonehenge Heelstone at dawn; the Cosmic Axis at the Forbidden City, Beijing; the Temple of the Sun at Teotihuacan; Ahu Huri at Urenga, Easter Island; the Aboriginal stone configuration at Lake Bolac, Victoria, Australia; and more

About this title

Book Description:

Long before astronomy was a science, humans used the stars to mark time, navigate, organize planting, and dramatize myths. In fact, some lunar calendars may date back over 30,000 years. From Stonehenge to Angkor Wat, many of the world's most famous ancient monuments owe their existence to humanity's mastery of and reverence for the night sky.

About the Author:

Clive Ruggles is professor of archaeoastronomy at the University of Leicester, Leicester, England.

About this edition

• Publisher: ABC-CLIO
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1851094776
• ISBN 13: 9781851094776
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 560