Sun temple
In prehistoric times, sun temples were used as precise astronomical aids to determine the seasons . They were after the sun aligned so that the day of the summer - or winter - solstice was found. Even if the original purpose gradually faded into the background, some places developed into important cult centers.
The oldest sun temples or calendar structures are believed to be in the Middle Neolithic circular moats in Central Europe . They have been found in Europe , Egypt and India since the Neolithic as well as in today's Latin America (Sun pyramid of Teotihuacán or the pyramid of Kukulcán by Chichén Itzá ).
Some modern buildings are also referred to as sun temples, for example in the Hermitage in Bayreuth .
Well-known sun temples
- Konark Sun Temple ( India )
- Martand Sun Temple (India)
- Pyramid of the Sun from Teotihuacan ( Mexico )
- Sun sanctuary of Niuserre in Abu Gurob near Abusir ( Egypt )
- Mesa Verde ( USA )
- Goseck district moat ( Germany )
- Ring of Brodgar ( United Kingdom )
- Stonehenge ( United Kingdom )
See also
- Sun dance (with Indians)
- Sun litany (ancient Egypt)
- Circular moat systems
- Henge
- Sun sanctuaries of Upper Lusatia
Web links
- Prehistoric solar observatories ( Memento from June 18, 2006 in the Internet Archive )
- Sun sanctuary