14 - Teaching astronomy in other cultures: archeoastronomy

Summary

Abstract: In this paper I shall discuss the way in which an archeology lecture can be used to explain some astronomical topics so that Latin American students will relate better to them. More than 2,000 years ago great constructions were used for naked-eye observations and timekeeping in Central America. The zenith pass was fundamental for the calendar; teachers can use this event to explain the measurement of the Earth's circumference. All great cultures have had astronomers, and many countries can use their past to make modern science more interesting and meaningful for their population.

Introduction

Mesoamerica is a large zone that includes most of Mexico and Central America. In that region one of the earliest written languages was invented. A large civilization flourished thanks to the discovery of agriculture and the use of a mixture of corn, beans, squash and peppers that conveys a high nutritional content. In this part of the world there are mainly two seasons, the dry and rainy periods. The slave-driven civilization that developed in this part of the world consequently divided the civil year in two, mainly dedicated to agriculture and construction. A good calendar was needed for central planning and commerce.

The sun

One of the main deities of ancientMexicowas the sun. It had several representations, including an eagle that drifts through the sky, and the “Ollin”, which means movement. The eagle is depicted in Mexico's flag, and the “Ollin” can clearly be seen in the center of the Aztec Calendar and the ten peso coin (see Fig. 14.2). A jaguar was the symbol for night, with the spots representing stars. Warriors dressed like eagles and jaguars.