Archaeoastronomy: Science of Stars and Stones
Explore ancient monuments' connections to the sky in this interdisciplinary course blending architecture, archaeology, and astronomy.
Explore ancient monuments' connections to the sky in this interdisciplinary course blending architecture, archaeology, and astronomy.
Discover the fascinating world of archaeoastronomy, the "science of stars and stones," in this comprehensive introductory course. This interdisciplinary field combines elements of architecture, archaeology, and astronomy to study the relationships between ancient monuments and the sky. Through a series of engaging modules, you'll explore how ancient cultures integrated astronomical knowledge into their religious and symbolic world, reflected in the design and placement of iconic structures. The course takes you on a virtual tour of spectacular archaeological sites worldwide, including Stonehenge, the pyramids of Giza, Chichen Itzá, and the Pantheon in Rome. You'll learn about the astronomical events that occur at these sites during special days of the year, such as solstices and equinoxes. The curriculum covers essential astronomical concepts, including naked-eye astronomy, celestial coordinates, and the apparent motion of celestial bodies. You'll also gain insights into the role of astronomy in ancient religions and power structures. By the end of the course, you'll have a solid foundation in archaeoastronomy and a deeper appreciation for the astronomical knowledge and practices of ancient civilizations.
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What you'll learn
Understand the basics of naked-eye astronomy and celestial mechanics
Explore the connections between ancient monuments and astronomical events
Learn about the role of astronomy in ancient religions and power structures
Analyze astronomical alignments in structures like Stonehenge, pyramids, and temples
Understand the principles of archaeoastronomical research and interpretation
Explore the astronomical significance of sites across different ancient cultures
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
2.25 Hours PreRecorded video
7 quizzes
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
FullTime access
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There are 7 modules in this course
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to archaeoastronomy, the interdisciplinary science that studies the relationships between ancient monuments and the sky. The curriculum is divided into seven modules, covering topics from basic astronomy concepts to detailed analyses of astronomical alignments in ancient structures worldwide. Students will explore the connections between astronomy, religion, and power in various ancient cultures, including those of Egypt, Maya, Inca, China, and Rome. The course includes virtual tours of significant archaeological sites, explanations of astronomical events at these locations, and insights into ancient calendars and timekeeping. Advanced topics such as lunar cycles, planetary motions, and statistical methods in archaeoastronomy are also covered. Through a combination of video lectures, readings, and quizzes, learners will gain a deep understanding of how ancient civilizations integrated celestial observations into their architecture and culture.
Week 1
Module 1 · 44 Minutes to complete
Week 2
Module 2 · 39 Minutes to complete
Week 3
Module 3 · 45 Minutes to complete
Week 4
Module 4 · 42 Minutes to complete
Week 5
Module 5 · 23 Minutes to complete
Week 6
Module 6 · 33 Minutes to complete
Astronomy insights
Module 7 · 3 Hours to complete
Fee Structure
Payment options
Financial Aid
Instructor
Full Professor
Giulio Magli, a physicist with a PhD from 1992, is currently a Full Professor at Politecnico di Milano, where he teaches the only official Archaeoastronomy course in Italy. His research, which initially focused on Relativistic Astrophysics, now explores the intricate relationships between architecture, landscape, and ancient mathematical and astronomical knowledge, particularly among Egyptian and Incan cultures. He has authored significant works, including “Mysteries and Discoveries of Archaeoastronomy” and “Architecture, Astronomy and Sacred Landscape in Ancient Egypt.” He has participated in archaeological missions in Italy and Egypt and has led a scientific collaboration with the Archaeological Park of Agrigento, Sicily, since 2015. In addition to his academic endeavors, Magli directs the FDS Laboratory for Scientific Communication at Politecnico di Milano and has been involved in developing MOOCs and e-learning techniques, contributing to the first Italian Pre-Calculus MOOC. His research has garnered attention from major media outlets, including CNN and National Geographic.
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Frequently asked questions
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