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The Astronomical Orientation of Ancient Greek Temples

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  • Alun M Salt

Abstract

Despite its appearing to be a simple question to answer, there has been no consensus as to whether or not the alignments of ancient Greek temples reflect astronomical intentions. Here I present the results of a survey of archaic and classical Greek temples in Sicily and compare them with temples in Greece. Using a binomial test I show strong evidence that there is a preference for solar orientations. I then speculate that differences in alignment patterns between Sicily and Greece reflect differing pressures in the expression of ethnic identity.

Suggested Citation

  • Alun M Salt, 2009. "The Astronomical Orientation of Ancient Greek Temples," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 4(11), pages 1-5, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0007903
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0007903
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    Cited by:

    1. Giovanna Bagnasco Gianni & Andrea Garzulino & Matilde Marzullo & Antonio Paolo Pernigotti, 2022. "A Biography of an Ancient Cultural Landscape: The Sky over Tarquinia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-18, December.

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