Publication Date
1-1-2005
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
First Advisor
Mehrer, Mark
Degree Name
B.A. (Bachelor of Arts)
Legacy Department
Department of Anthropology
Abstract
This paper examines the post-circle monuments at Cahokia for astronomical alignments other than the already well-established solar alignments. Using data from previous studies and photographs taken at Cahokia, the woodhenge is reconstructed in the virtual sky feature of an astronomy software program, TheSky6. Then using data from previous archaeoastronomy studies, and historical and ethnographical sources, the Pleiades and the moon are examined as potential targets for observation. The Pleiades, which makes its first appearance over one of the woodhendge posts, was significant in cultures worldwide and may have had special significance int he agricultural calendar at Cahokia. New moon observations suggest that the woodhenge may have been used to track the lunar calendar and to bring the solar and lunar years into alignment.
Recommended Citation
Thomas, Mary, "American Woodhenge: Archaeoastronomy at Cahokia" (2005). Honors Capstones. 119.
https://huskiecommons.lib.niu.edu/studentengagement-honorscapstones/119
Extent
20 pages
Language
eng
Publisher
Northern Illinois University
Rights Statement
In Copyright
Rights Statement 2
NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.
Media Type
Text
