Construction of archaeology and ancient history research methods based on cooperation with astronomy

Abstract

Professor Hojo Yoshitaka is leading a research team which is aiming to construct archaeology and ancient history research methods that are based on astronomical methods and understanding. Although archaeological astronomical methods have been introduced in the study of calendar history in the field of literature history, the lack of basic knowledge of astronomy makes it difficult to apply them effectively in a wide range of research settings in Japan. With the establishment of this project, the team hopes to overcome the situation by combining philology, archaeology, astronomy and folklore. The team includes researchers from the National Astronomical Observatory, Chiba Institute of Technology, Kwassui Women 's University, Sapporo University, Nanzan University, Kyushu University, Senshu University and the National Institute of Cultural Properties.