Astronomical orientations of dragon houses (Laka Palli, Kapsala, Oche) and Armena gate (Euboea, Greece)

Part of : Mediterranean archaeology & archaeometry : international journal ; Vol.10, No.3, 2010, pages 41-52

Issue:
Pages:
41-52
Author:
Abstract:
The preliminary investigation of the astronomical orientation of monuments at Styra, southern Euboea, includes the triple so called ‘dragon house’ complex at Laka Palli, one dragon house at Kapsala and one on the summit of Mount Oche, and a monumentalgate in the megalithic fortification wall at Armena. Recent luminescence testing dates these remains to approximately the Classical period with apparent re‐use in Roman and later times. Thus far no definite astronomical orientation has been determined in thelayout of the structures and no celestial stone markers or similar features have been found associated with the dragon houses, however, the relationship of significant stars, constellations and solar stands was well known in antiquity, and the limited results presented here suggests the possibility for further investigation. This study, which consideredpossible orientations related to sun rise and sun set for the summer and winter solstice, as well as, alignments towards equinoxes and major bright stars and constellations, did observe a general preference for a southern orientation at most of the sites anda possible feature for time observations in the dragon house complex at Laka Palli.
Subject:
Subject (LC):
Keywords:
Dragon houses, Euboea, Armena, astronomical, orientation, Kapsala, Laka Palli, stars, constellation
Notes:
Περιέχει έγχρωμες εικόνες, σχήματα και πίνακες