Prehistoric Astronomy and Ritual

Shire Archaeology #32

by Aubrey Burl

72 English Osprey Publishing Stonehenge was not an observatory used by druidical astronomer-priests. but instead an almighty monument in which the moon. the sun. and the dead were joined together In this compelling book. archaeological expert Aubrey. Burl explains how. more than four thousand years ago. people in the British Isles identified life and death with the cycle of midwinter and midsummer. and with the rising and setting of the sun and moon. It is for this reason that so many megalithic monuments have astronomical sightlines bult into them. This book explores the development of astronomical customes in the British Isles. and. unlike other works about megalithic astronomy. keeps the techical explanations of azimuths and declinations to their simpliest. its emphasis being upon people rather than perturbations and eclipses.

Genres: History

72 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1999

Reviews

[mina-mae alexander · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice introduction to some ideas linking astronomy with ancient megalithic sites. Chronologically follows 3000 years of the megalithic tradition in Britain through exploring astronomical alignments and the different possible functions of such alignments. Highlights how over such a timespan, climate, society, modes of living and culture would not have remained static, and how beliefs and ritual were regionally specific. Saying that however, there is hardly any contextual information about the people constructing these monuments so some background knowledge is probably desirable. I think there's other books in this series about stone circles that might address this better. I also seen theres so many books in this series on world of books for like 3.50 someone get me one about bronze age pottery for my bday plzzzz <3

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another splendid entry for Shire Archaeology.

[Fiona Robson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fascinating short read for the train home from London. I love Aubrey Burl's writing.