The Orientation of Ancient Monuments in Sweden - A Critique of Archaeoastronorny and an Alternative Interpretation

Jonathan Lindström

doi:10.37718/csa.1997.08

Abstract

The results of three archaeoastronomical studies of Scandinavian ancient monuments are discussed and dismissed as unconvincing. The necessity of a broader approach to the problem of orientation is emphasised. The mean orientations of several groups of ancient monuments in Sweden are presented. It is suggested that graves, as well as other ancient monuments, are roughly oriented according to the four cardinal points, although the conception of the cardinal points was not the same as it is now. Two different ancient conceptions are suggested, the B- and C-systems. Possible social and religious background and astronomical principles are discussed.

Highlights

Despite this knowledge no serious attempts have been made to get an overall picture of the phenomenon, as part of more general studies of separate grave groups the subject has been touched upon in interesting ways
An introduction to archaeoastronomy and early astronomy around the world is presented in the book Asrrortornyr before lhe Telescope (Walker el al. 1996)
The orientation is a question of observational technicalities. It is the result of man's world view, man's intersectioning of the world into cardinal points and meaningful directions and the use of this knowledge in social and religious contexts

Summary

Introduction

Already in the prosperous childhood of Swedish archaeology it was well known that several different groups of ancient monuments were not randomly oriented but clustered in certain directions Despite this knowledge no serious attempts have been made to get an overall picture of the phenomenon, as part of more general studies of separate grave groups the subject has been touched upon in interesting ways The orientation of ancient monuments in Sweden probably does not mirror constantly changing preferences for different celestial phenomena, but instead basic conceptions of the cosmos It is a question of structuring the surroundings in meaningful directions and according to conceptions ofthe cardin al points, from the homestead out to the mythical borders of the world.

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Discussion

Conclusion