The Similarity in Orientation for Ancient Construction at Mesoamerica and Three World Cases

Abstract

The study of the pyramids has attracted attention for several centuries because of the construction itself and its positions. We try to understand their formal and geospatial position and implications. There are various hypotheses about the design of them, from the mystical sphere to mathematical analysis. In this research, we carried out a study of the orientation presented in various prehispanic buildings in Mexico, as a part of Mesoamerica; we selected the most important ceremonial places or pyramids and different cultures, including the last one called "Aguada Fenix" that may produce the first knowledge. Separately, we consider three similar cases, Iraq, Iran, and Egypt, as ancient initial constructions. The research shows that orientation prevails from the visualization of the sunset from the location selected by the Mesoamerican culture under a particular specific translational earth position. However, some cultures prioritized solstice sunrise-facing constructions. It does not necessarily imply that they knew explicitly about the cardinal points: the position of the sun may be sufficient. The Giza Pyramid case is analyzed under this perspective, proposing that the arrangement was carried out by following the line from sunrise to sunset through the drawing of lines from the same point, allowing the largest sunny area during the year.