Abstract
This chapter discusses the role of recurrent heavenly phenomena in the formation of ancient cultural traditions. Artifacts bearing witness to astronomical and calendrical practices in the ancient Caucasus are described and we analyze the significance of the “boats of the sun” petroglyphs at Gobustan in Azerbaijan, the solar station at Abuli in Georgia, and the “sky dial” at Carahunge in Armenia. Similarities and differences between the ancient cultures of the region are discussed. Finally, we present the results of the latest field research and new facts and hypotheses.
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Simonia, I., Jijelava, B. (2015). Astronomy in the Ancient Caucasus. In: Ruggles, C. (eds) Handbook of Archaeoastronomy and Ethnoastronomy. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6141-8_138
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6141-8_138
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