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From Amazon.com
What is the meaning of Stonehenge? Why was the elaborate Incan city of Cuzco built? What is the significance of the Great Pyramid at the ancient Mayan city of Chichén Itz´? These ancient structures have spellbound natives and tourists alike. This mysterious architecture points to a centuries-old search for celestial order. Anthony Aveni, a professor of astronomy and anthropology, takes us on a stimulating virtual tour of these legendary constructions. He describes how they were built and straightforwardly and often humorously critiques diverse theories attempting to explain their origin and function. For example, Aveni breathes life into the mysteries of the Great Pyramid and its use as a sacred temple, sacrificial altar, and celestial calendar. Wonderfully written, the book's primary focus is the prominent role of astrology in the design and construction of ancient structures, and even entire cities.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
With little or no technology, many ancient societies achieved significant understanding of the movements and cycles of the moon, sun, planets, and stars. The primary difference between their astronomy and ours is that they believed the sky served as a connection between the natural and spiritual world, while our Western view of science dictates an objective, quantifiable, and measurable existence. Using the findings of the last decade, Aveni (Behind the Crystal Ball, LJ 8/96) examines the astronomy of three ancient societies: Great Britain and Stonehenge; the Mayas and the cult of Venus; and the Incas and the city of Cuzco, built as a vast observatory. Also included is a chapter on "naked eye" observing that allows readers to see the night sky as did our ancient ancestors. This book is not as much a history of astronomy, as is E.C. Krupp's recent Skywatchers, Shaman's & Kings (LJ 10/15/96), but a focused survey of the beliefs and astronomy of three ancient cultures and how they compare and contrast with the prevailing way that Western society watches the night sky. Recommended for public and academic libraries.?Gloria Maxwell, Kansas City P.L., Kan.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
The Lakota Sioux say that when the constellation of the Chief's Hand (the lower portion of our Orion) disappears from the sky, the earth will become infertile. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
The Lakota Sioux say that when the constellation of the Chief's Hand (the lower portion of our Orion) disappears from the sky, the earth will become infertile. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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