Abstract
This paper assesses the measured axial orientations and siting of Irish passage tombs. The distribution of monuments with passages/entrances directed at related tombs/cairns is shown. Where this phenomenon occurs, the targeted structure is invariably located at a higher elevation on the skyline and this could suggest a symbolic and hierarchical relationship in their relative siting in the landscape. Additional analysis of astronomical declinations at a national scale has identified tombs with an axial alignment towards the rising and setting positions of the Sun at the winter and summer solstices. A criteria-based framework is developed which potentially allows for these types of data to be more meaningfully considered and culturally interpreted within broader archaeological and social anthropological contexts.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-25 |
Journal | Journal of Physics: Conference Series |
Volume | 685 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2016 |
Keywords
- measured axial orientations
- siting
- Irish passage tombs
- distribution of monuments
- symbolic and hierarchical relationship
- astronomical declinations
- winter and summer solstices
- criteria-based framework
- archaeological contexts
- social anthropological contexts