Ancient Civilizations of North America Season 1 Episode 20 Archaeoastronomy in the Ancient Southwest

Archaeoastronomy in the Ancient Southwest is the twentieth episode of the first season of the show Ancient Civilizations of North America. In this episode, viewers are taken on a journey through the American southwest to explore the connection between the ancient peoples of the region and the sky above. The episode investigates the relationship between the celestial bodies and the ancient sites that were built in the region.

The first segment of the episode is set in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, where the Chacoan culture built monumental structures that were aligned with astronomical events. The episode explores how the Chacoan culture used their understanding of astronomy to construct a complex system of roadways and structures that aligned with the movement of the sun, moon, and stars. Viewers are given a glimpse of the intricate alignments that were used by the Chacoan culture to track the cycles of the sun and the moon, and how these alignments were used to give meaning to their religious and social lives.

In the second segment of the episode, the focus shifts to the ancient Maya civilization of Mexico and Central America. Viewers are taken to the site of Chichen Itza, where the Maya built structures that were aligned with astronomical events. The episode explores the significance of the alignment of the Temple of Kukulcan with the movement of the sun during the Spring and Autumn equinoxes, and how this alignment was a crucial aspect of Maya religion and culture.

The episode also explores how the Maya used their understanding of astronomy to create a complex calendar system that was used for religious, agricultural, and political purposes. Viewers are given a glimpse of how the Maya used their knowledge of celestial cycles to develop a system of timekeeping that was more accurate than any other system that had been developed at the time.

The episode concludes by exploring the connections between the ancient cultures of the Southwest and the broader context of world history. Viewers are shown how the concepts of archaeoastronomy were present in many ancient cultures around the world, and how the knowledge of the celestial bodies was used to shape the lives and cultures of people throughout history. The episode ends with a reflection on the enduring legacy of the ancient peoples of the Southwest, and how their knowledge and accomplishments continue to inspire us today.

Overall, Archaeoastronomy in the Ancient Southwest is a fascinating exploration of the connections between ancient cultures and the cosmos. The episode provides a detailed look at the intricate knowledge of the celestial bodies possessed by the ancient peoples of the Southwest, and how this knowledge was used to shape their societies and cultures. Whether you are interested in history, astronomy, or simply curious about the world around us, this episode is a must-see for anyone who wants to understand more about the fascinating connections between the ancient civilizations of North America and the stars above.