Possible Calendrical Inscriptions on Paleolithic Artifacts

Rappenglück, Michael A.

doi:10.1007/978-1-4614-6141-8_115

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…Astronomical observations were practiced in many hunter-gatherer and horticultural societies, often focusing on the solstices, lunar cycles, and certain stars. Monumental constructions built before the full establishment of agriculture in various parts of the world commonly incorporated alignments to the solstices, lunar extremes, and possibly quarter days (25)(26)(27)37). With the establishment of agriculture, astronomical observations often became more important and elaborate (38,39).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Origins of Mesoamerican astronomy and calendar: Evidence from the Olmec and Maya regions

2023

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Archaeoastronomical studies have demonstrated that the important civic and ceremonial buildings in Mesoamerica were largely oriented to sunrises or sunsets on specific dates, but the origin and spread of orientation practices were not clear. Using aerial laser scanning (lidar) data, we analyzed orientations of a large number of ceremonial complexes in the area along the southern Gulf Coast, including many recently identified Formative sites dating to 1100 BCE to 250 CE. The distribution pattern of dates marked by solar alignments indicates their subsistence-related ritual significance. The orientations of complexes built between 1100 and 750 BCE, in particular, represent the earliest evidence of the use of the 260-day calendar, centuries earlier than its previously known use in textual records.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%