Mesoamerican Astronomy: Celestial Influence on Culture and Architecture
Manage episode 502933156 series 3685290
This document explores the profound significance of astronomy in ancient Mesoamerican societies, including the Maya and Aztecs. It highlights how their observations of celestial bodies, like the sun, moon, and Venus, were crucial for developing sophisticated calendrical systems and architectural alignments. The text emphasizes that these astronomical practices served a practical purpose in managing agricultural cycles and were also deeply intertwined with religious beliefs and political ideologies, allowing ruling elites to legitimize their power. Through the lens of archaeoastronomy, the source examines evidence from codices, monumental inscriptions, and architectural orientations to illustrate the complex relationship between celestial phenomena and cultural development in Mesoamerica.
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