Archaeoastronomy and the Maya

Nonfiction, History, Americas, Central America, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Archaeology
Cover of the book Archaeoastronomy and the Maya by Gerardo Aldana y V., Edwin L. Barnhart, Oxbow Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Gerardo Aldana y V., Edwin L. Barnhart ISBN: 9781782976448
Publisher: Oxbow Books Publication: May 30, 2014
Imprint: Oxbow Books Language: English
Author: Gerardo Aldana y V., Edwin L. Barnhart
ISBN: 9781782976448
Publisher: Oxbow Books
Publication: May 30, 2014
Imprint: Oxbow Books
Language: English

Archaeoastronomy and the Maya illustrates archaeoastronomical approaches to ancient Mayan cultural production. The book is contextualized through a history of archaeoastronomical investigations into Mayan sites, originating in the 19th century discovery of astronomical tables within hieroglyphic books. Early 20th century archaeological excavations revealed inscriptions carved into stone that also preserved astronomical records, along with architecture that was built to reflect astronomical orientations.

These materials provided the basis of a growing professionalized archaeoastronomy, blossoming in the 1970s and expanding into recent years. The chapters here exemplify the advances made in the field during the early 21st century as well as the on-going diversity of approaches, presenting new perspectives and discoveries in ancient Mayan astronomy that result from recent studies of architectural alignments, codices, epigraphy, iconography, ethnography, and calendrics. More than just investigations of esoteric ancient sciences, studies of ancient Mayan astronomy have profoundly aided our understanding of Mayan worldviews. Concepts of time and space, meanings encoded in religious art, intentions underlying architectural alignments, and even methods of political legitimization are all illuminated through the study of Mayan astronomy.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Archaeoastronomy and the Maya illustrates archaeoastronomical approaches to ancient Mayan cultural production. The book is contextualized through a history of archaeoastronomical investigations into Mayan sites, originating in the 19th century discovery of astronomical tables within hieroglyphic books. Early 20th century archaeological excavations revealed inscriptions carved into stone that also preserved astronomical records, along with architecture that was built to reflect astronomical orientations.

These materials provided the basis of a growing professionalized archaeoastronomy, blossoming in the 1970s and expanding into recent years. The chapters here exemplify the advances made in the field during the early 21st century as well as the on-going diversity of approaches, presenting new perspectives and discoveries in ancient Mayan astronomy that result from recent studies of architectural alignments, codices, epigraphy, iconography, ethnography, and calendrics. More than just investigations of esoteric ancient sciences, studies of ancient Mayan astronomy have profoundly aided our understanding of Mayan worldviews. Concepts of time and space, meanings encoded in religious art, intentions underlying architectural alignments, and even methods of political legitimization are all illuminated through the study of Mayan astronomy.

More books from Oxbow Books

Cover of the book People with Animals by Gerardo Aldana y V., Edwin L. Barnhart
Cover of the book Monastic Archaeology by Gerardo Aldana y V., Edwin L. Barnhart
Cover of the book Rock Art Through Time by Gerardo Aldana y V., Edwin L. Barnhart
Cover of the book Ireland's First Settlers by Gerardo Aldana y V., Edwin L. Barnhart
Cover of the book Clash of Cultures? by Gerardo Aldana y V., Edwin L. Barnhart
Cover of the book Forces of Transformation by Gerardo Aldana y V., Edwin L. Barnhart
Cover of the book Communicating Identity in Italic Iron Age Communities by Gerardo Aldana y V., Edwin L. Barnhart
Cover of the book Archaeology and Anthropology by Gerardo Aldana y V., Edwin L. Barnhart
Cover of the book Shuffling Nags, Lame Ducks by Gerardo Aldana y V., Edwin L. Barnhart
Cover of the book Fashionable Encounters by Gerardo Aldana y V., Edwin L. Barnhart
Cover of the book Transformation in Anglo-Saxon Culture by Gerardo Aldana y V., Edwin L. Barnhart
Cover of the book The Diversity of Hunter Gatherer Pasts by Gerardo Aldana y V., Edwin L. Barnhart
Cover of the book Places of Special Virtue by Gerardo Aldana y V., Edwin L. Barnhart
Cover of the book Paths Towards a New World by Gerardo Aldana y V., Edwin L. Barnhart
Cover of the book Material Approaches to Roman Magic by Gerardo Aldana y V., Edwin L. Barnhart
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy