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Archaeoastronomy

Giulio Magli

Archaeoastronomy is the “science of stars and stones”. It is an interdisciplinary science in between architecture, archaeology, and astronomy. It studies the relationships between the ancient monuments and the sky, in order to gain a better understanding of the ideas of the architects of the past and of their religious and symbolic world. The course provides the first complete, easy introduction to this fascinating discipline.

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Archaeoastronomy is the “science of stars and stones”. It is an interdisciplinary science in between architecture, archaeology, and astronomy. It studies the relationships between the ancient monuments and the sky, in order to gain a better understanding of the ideas of the architects of the past and of their religious and symbolic world. The course provides the first complete, easy introduction to this fascinating discipline.

During the course, many spectacular ancient sites of archaeology – such as Stonehenge in England, Giza and Karnak in Egypt, Chichen Itzá in the Yucatan, Macchu Picchu in Peru and the Pantheon in Rome – will be visited and the fascinating events occurring there in special days of the year (such as solstices, equinoxes, or the day of the foundation of Rome) will be shown and explained. The course also provides the necessary background on Astronomy with the naked eye and a general introduction to the role of Astronomy in religion and in the management of power among ancient cultures.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1
In this week we shall learn the basic tools which are needed for studying Archaeoastronomy. Essentially, this means learning Astronomy with the naked eye, since the ancients did not have telescopes, and becoming acquainted with a simple instrument - the magnetic compass - and amazing softwares: virtual globes and digital planetariums.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Enters the close, interdisciplinary realm of archaeoastronomy, an engaging niche that combines archaeology and astronomy
Taught by Giulio Magli, an established archaeoastronomer and author with a wealth of experience
Offers a comprehensive overview of the field, accessible to both beginners and those with some background in archaeoastronomy
Provides a captivating journey through ancient sites, exploring the relationships between monuments and celestial events
Includes practical tools and techniques for studying archaeoastronomy, making it suitable for learners interested in hands-on exploration
Introduces key concepts in astronomy and their relevance to ancient cultures, providing a solid foundation for further exploration

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Reviews summary

Ancient skies and cultures

According to learners, this course offers a fascinating and comprehensive introduction to Archaeoastronomy, blending astronomy, archaeology, and architecture. Students particularly praise the engaging lectures by the instructor, noting his passion and deep knowledge. The course visits spectacular ancient sites like Stonehenge, Giza, and Machu Picchu, explaining their astronomical alignments. While some found the content technically challenging at times, especially the astronomical basics, many appreciated the effort to make the material accessible. The course is often described as a wonderful journey through ancient cultures and their relationship with the cosmos, making it highly recommended for those interested in the subject.
Structure organized around ancient sites.
"The week-by-week structure visiting different sites was very effective."
"Exploring global ancient sites provided great context."
"Visiting places like Giza and Machu Picchu virtually was a highlight."
Successful blend of multiple fields.
"I loved how the course combined archaeology, astronomy, and architecture."
"The interdisciplinary nature made the course richer than I expected."
"It provided a great overview linking different fields of study."
Content is highly interesting and unique.
"Archaeoastronomy is a fascinating subject, and this course covers it wonderfully."
"Learning about the astronomical alignments of ancient sites was truly captivating."
"This course offers a unique perspective on history and astronomy that you won't find elsewhere."
Instructor's passion and knowledge praised.
"The instructor's passion for the subject matter really shines through."
"The course content is excellent, thanks to the professor's deep knowledge and enthusiasm."
"His lectures are incredibly engaging and make complex topics understandable."
Some found astronomical concepts challenging.
"Some of the astronomy parts were a bit dense and required extra study."
"Needed to review external resources for the astronomical insights section."
"While introductory, grasping the technical astronomy details could be tricky."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Archaeoastronomy with these activities:
Review Constellation Patterns
Familiarizes learners with recognizing constellations and patterns of the night sky.
Show steps
  • Use online resources like Star Chart or Google Sky to identify and learn the major constellations.
  • Look for star charts or apps that can help you identify constellations in your specific location.
  • Locate a clear night and spend some time outside observing the stars and practicing identifying constellations.
Virtual Visit to the Giza Pyramids
Provides an immersive experience to explore the Giza Pyramids and learn about their astronomical significance.
Show steps
  • Use online virtual tour platforms like Google Earth or AirPano to explore the Giza Pyramids.
  • Follow guided tours or read articles that provide information on the history, architecture, and astronomical alignments of the pyramids.
Compass Navigation Exercise
Enhances practical skills in using a magnetic compass for navigation and astronomical observations.
Show steps
  • Obtain a magnetic compass and familiarize yourself with its parts and functions.
  • Find an open area with minimal magnetic interference and practice determining cardinal directions.
  • Perform exercises to determine the azimuth and bearing of objects and landmarks.
Three other activities
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Show all six activities
Visit to a Planetarium or Observatory
Offers a hands-on experience to observe celestial objects, reinforce classroom learning, and inspire curiosity.
Show steps
  • Find a planetarium or observatory near you that offers public shows or guided tours.
  • Attend a planetarium show or observatory tour that aligns with the topics covered in the course.
Build a Model of Stonehenge
Develops an understanding of the construction and alignment of Stonehenge through hands-on creation.
Show steps
  • Gather materials like cardboard, paper, or foam board to construct the model.
  • Research the dimensions and alignment of Stonehenge and use these to plan your model.
  • Construct the model of Stonehenge, paying attention to the details of the structure and its orientation.
Create a Presentation on Mayan Astronomy
Develops research and presentation skills while exploring the unique astronomical knowledge of the Mayans.
Show steps
  • Research Mayan astronomy, including their calendar, observations, and astronomical beliefs.
  • Plan and organize the presentation, including an introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Create visual aids like slides or charts to support your presentation.
  • Practice delivering the presentation and ensure clarity and engagement.

Career center

Learners who complete Archaeoastronomy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Planetarium Director
Planetarium Directors manage planetariums and develop and deliver educational programs about astronomy. This course would provide Planetarium Directors with a deep understanding of astronomy and its history, which they could use to create engaging and informative planetarium shows. For example, this course would help a Planetarium Director to develop a show on the life and work of Galileo Galilei or the exploration of the solar system.
See salaries and explore the career path for Planetarium Director
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct research in a variety of fields, including astronomy and archaeology. This course would provide Research Scientists with a solid foundation in the history and methods of astronomy and archaeology, which they could use to conduct their own research. For example, this course would help a Research Scientist to develop a research project on the archaeoastronomy of the ancient Maya or the history of the telescope.
See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist
Astronomer
Astronomers study the universe and its contents. This course would provide Astronomers with a better understanding of the history of astronomy and the role that it has played in different cultures. For example, this course would help an Astronomer to understand why certain ancient cultures built observatories or aligned their buildings with the stars.
See salaries and explore the career path for Astronomer
Science Writer
Science Writers communicate scientific information to the public. This course would provide Science Writers with a deep understanding of astronomy and archaeology, which they could use to write engaging and informative articles, books, and other materials. For example, this course would help a Science Writer to write an article on the latest discoveries in astronomy or the history of the pyramids of Egypt.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer
Archaeologist
Archaeologists study past cultures by excavating and examining artifacts and structures. This course would provide Archaeologists with a better understanding of the religious and symbolic beliefs of ancient cultures, which could be useful in interpreting archaeological findings. For example, this course would help an Archaeologist to understand why a particular ancient monument was built in a certain location.
See salaries and explore the career path for Archaeologist
Teacher
Teachers teach students about a variety of subjects, including astronomy and archaeology. This course would provide Teachers with a solid foundation in the history and methods of astronomy and archaeology, which they could use to develop engaging and informative lesson plans. For example, this course would help a Teacher to develop a lesson plan on the phases of the moon or the history of Stonehenge.
See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher
Historian
Historians study the past by examining written records and other sources. This course would provide Historians with a better understanding of the role that astronomy and archaeology have played in human history. For example, this course would help a Historian to understand how the development of astronomy led to the rise of civilizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Historian
Museum Educator
Museum Educators develop and deliver educational programs for museum visitors. This course would provide Museum Educators with a solid foundation in astronomy and archaeology, which they could use to develop engaging and informative programs for visitors of all ages. For example, this course would help a Museum Educator to develop a program on the history of the telescope or the archaeology of ancient Egypt.
See salaries and explore the career path for Museum Educator
Educator
Educators teach students about a variety of subjects. This course would provide Educators with a solid foundation in astronomy and archaeology, which they could use to teach students about the history of science and the importance of cultural heritage. For example, this course would help an Educator to develop lesson plans on the ancient Maya calendar or the pyramids of Egypt.
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Curator
Curators are responsible for managing and preserving collections of objects. This course would provide Curators with a better understanding of the historical and cultural significance of objects related to astronomy and archaeology. For example, this course would help a Curator to understand how to care for and display an ancient astronomical instrument.
See salaries and explore the career path for Curator
Geographer
Geographers study the Earth's surface and its human and physical features. This course would provide Geographers with a better understanding of the relationship between geography and astronomy, which could be useful in studying the impact of climate change or the distribution of human populations. For example, this course would help a Geographer to understand how the movement of the sun affects the Earth's climate.
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Architect
Architects are responsible for designing buildings and other structures. They use their knowledge of engineering and design to create safe and functional spaces. This course would provide Architects with a solid understanding of the relationship between architecture and astronomy, which could be useful in designing buildings that are aligned with the sun or other celestial bodies. For example, this course would equip an Architect with the knowledge necessary to design a building that gets the optimal amount of sunlight at a certain time of year.
See salaries and explore the career path for Architect
Librarian
Librarians manage and organize libraries and provide access to information. This course would provide Librarians with a better understanding of the historical and cultural significance of books and other materials related to astronomy and archaeology. For example, this course would help a Librarian to catalog and organize a collection of rare books on astronomy.
See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian
Tour Guide
Tour Guides lead tours of historical and cultural sites.
See salaries and explore the career path for Tour Guide
Writer
Writers create written content, such as articles, books, and scripts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Archaeoastronomy.
Cover image
Archaeoastronomy
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This encyclopedia provides a comprehensive overview of the field of archaeoastronomy. Magli brings together leading scholars to discuss the latest research on the relationship between astronomy and ancient cultures.
Archaeoastronomy: Introduction to the Science of...
Paperback
$$
Mysteries and Discoveries of Archaeoastronomy: From...
Hardcover
$$
Archaeoastronomy in the Roman World (Historical &...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Archaeoastronomy: Introduction to the Science of...
Paperback
$$$
Ethnoastronomy and Archaeoastronomy in the American...
Save
Takes an anthropological approach to archaeoastronomy, focusing on the American tropics. Aveni presents case studies from Mesoamerica, the Andes, and the Amazon Basin to explore the ways in which ancient peoples used astronomy to shape their cultures.
Ethnoastronomy and Archaeoastronomy in the American...
Paperback
Check
Ethnoastronomy and Archaeoastronomy in the American...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Stonehenge
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the archaeoastronomy of prehistoric Britain and Ireland. Ruggles discusses the evidence for astronomical alignments at sites such as Stonehenge, Avebury, and Newgrange.
Stonehenge: Sighting the Sun
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
Atheopaganism: An Earth-honoring Path Rooted in...
Save
Examines the archaeoastronomy of the Andes, focusing on the Inca Empire. Dean discusses the Inca calendar, their knowledge of the stars and planets, and their use of astronomy in their religious and political rituals.
Atheopaganism: An Earth-honoring path rooted in...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Greek Science in Antiquity
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the astronomy of ancient Egypt. Clagett discusses the Egyptian calendar, their knowledge of the planets and stars, and their use of astronomy in their religious and political rituals.
Greek Science In Antiquity
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
The Alchemy of Nine Dimensions
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the archaeoastronomy of China. Ho discusses the Chinese calendar, their knowledge of the planets and stars, and their use of astronomy in their religious and political rituals.
The Alchemy of Nine Dimensions: The 2011/2012...
Paperback
$$
Alchemy of Nine Dimensions: Activating the Full...
Paperback
$$
Alchemy of Nine Dimensions: Decoding the Vertical...
Paperback
$$
The Alchemy of Nine Dimensions: The 2011/2012...
Kindle Edition
$
Alchemy of Nine Dimensions: Activating the Full...
Kindle Edition
$$
Pre-siddhantic Indian Astronomy
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the archaeoastronomy of India. Abhyankar discusses the Indian calendar, their knowledge of the planets and stars, and their use of astronomy in their religious and political rituals.
Pre-siddhantic Indian Astronomy
Paperback
Check
Pre-siddhantic Indian Astronomy
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Mysteries and Discoveries of Archaeoastronomy
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the archaeoastronomy of the Pacific Islands. Liller discusses the Polynesian calendar, their knowledge of the planets and stars, and their use of astronomy in their religious and political rituals.
Mysteries and Discoveries of Archaeoastronomy
Paperback
Check
Mysteries and Discoveries of Archaeoastronomy
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Early Man and the Cosmos
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the archaeoastronomy of Mesoamerica. Hadingham discusses the Maya calendar, their knowledge of the planets and stars, and their use of astronomy in their religious and political rituals.
Early Man and the Cosmos
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Shamans of the Lost World
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the archaeoastronomy of North America. Romain discusses the Native American calendar, their knowledge of the planets and stars, and their use of astronomy in their religious and political rituals.
Shamans of the Lost World: A Cognitive Approach to...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Current Studies in Archaeoastronomy
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Provides a comprehensive overview of the archaeoastronomy of the Old World. Dearborn discusses the European calendar, their knowledge of the planets and stars, and their use of astronomy in their religious and political rituals.
Current Studies in Archaeoastronomy: Conversations...
Hardcover
$$$

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Effort
2-3 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Politecnico di Milano
Instructor
Giulio Magli
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Enters the close, interdisciplinary realm of archaeoastronomy, an engaging niche that combines archaeology and astronomy
Taught by Giulio Magli, an established archaeoastronomer and author with a wealth of experience
Offers a comprehensive overview of the field, accessible to both beginners and those with some background in archaeoastronomy
Provides a captivating journey through ancient sites, exploring the relationships between monuments and celestial events
Includes practical tools and techniques for studying archaeoastronomy, making it suitable for learners interested in hands-on exploration
Introduces key concepts in astronomy and their relevance to ancient cultures, providing a solid foundation for further exploration
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