Badri Jijelava ¹, Jarita Holbrook ², Irakli Simonia ¹

Affiliations
1 Ilia state university, GE
2 University of Western Cape, ZA

Abstract

Objectives: The religious Ancient megalithic monuments are accordingly o/riente to the ancient Gods – The Sun, Moon, luminaries. The aim of this work to research the ethnographic data, current folklore and based on the results, harmonize the ancient Gods and the orientations of the religious megalithic complexes. Methods/Statistical Analysis: We harmonized the ethnographical, folklore and historical information and restoration of ancient celestial sphere (using special astronomy application) and identified the correlations between the some acronychal or helical rising/set of luminaries and orientations of megalithic objects. Such connections are stored in a folklore. Findings: This technique of investigations gives us more clear understanding of ancient universe. Using this method, we can receive additional information about the ancient Gods – Luminaries, clarify current mythology, date the megalithic complex. Application/Improvements: This method of investigation - Harmonization cultural astronomy and archae or astronomy with the archeological investigations will be more fruitful, because it gives us reliable information concerning the ancient culture, ancient religion and ancient people.

Keywords

Ancient Astronomy, Ethnographic Data, Folklore, Megalithic Monuments.

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Badri Jijelava ¹, Irakli Simonia ¹

Affiliations
1 Ilia State University, GE

Abstract

Background/Objectives: In recent years, in purpose of investigation of the artefacts, the ancient culture and religion, based on the astronomy knowledge play significant role. The aim of this work is to identify the orientations of the religious megalithic complexes and their correlation to the celestial luminaries. Methods/Statistical Analysis: We harmonized the archeological data, ethnographical, historical information and restoration of ancient celestial sphere (using special astronomy application), which give us possibility to identify the correlations between the acronychal or helical rising/ set of luminaries and directions of megalithic objects. Very often such connections are stored in a current folklore too. Findings: This technique of investigations give us more clear understanding of ancient universe. Using this method, we can receive latent information about the ancient Gods – Luminaries, clarify current mythology, date of the megalithic complex. Application/Improvements: This method of investigation is an additional instrument for archeological investigations, because it gives us more reliable information concerning the ancient culture, religion and people.

Keywords

Astronomical Significance, Menhir, Megalithic Monuments, Sun Rise.

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Gordon L. Houston ¹, Irakli Simonia ²

Affiliations
1 Ilia State University, P. O. Box 841352, Houston, Texas 77284–1352, USA, US
2 Ilia State University, Cholokashvili Ave, 3/5, Tbilisi 0162, GE

Abstract

Background/Objectives: In 1996, solar markers were discovered at Paint Rock, a pictograph site in the state of Texas, USA. The astronomy of the site had not been studied to answer how the cultures were able to place the pictographs so accurately, interacting with sunlight and shadow, recording vital astronomical knowledge. The primary focus of this paper is to provide details of the methodology used in discovering the horizon astronomy at the Paint Rock site. Methods/ Statistical Analysis: Three primary methods were employed, the field walking survey, photographic documentation, and surveying methods for archaeoastronomy. The field walking survey was the primary method to assess the site and conduct the search for the place of observation. Significant points were documented by photographs at all stages of the study. Then, using archaeoastronomy surveying techniques, a profile of the east and west horizon was performed, providing detailed celestial declinations along the horizon.Findings: A significant horizon “notch” from the place of observation was discovered through these methods on both the east and west horizon. The place of observation was tied to the material cultural record. Tying the horizon astronomy to the archaeology provides strong support in answering the question of how the native cultures were able to place the glyphs so accurately to interact with sunlight and shadow. Photographic evidence documents the findings. Applications/Improvement: The outcome of the findings has lead to the realization that these methods need to be applied to many unstudied sites worldwide. Establishing the horizon astronomy at a rock art site with solar markers adds significant support to any astronomical interpretation.

Keywords

Archaeoastronomy, Cognitive Archaeology, Landscape Archaeology, Rock Art, Solar Markers

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