The astronomical orientation of ancient Greek temples

PLoS One. 2009 Nov 19;4(11):e7903. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0007903.

Abstract

Despite its appearing to be a simple question to answer, there has been no consensus as to whether or not the alignments of ancient Greek temples reflect astronomical intentions. Here I present the results of a survey of archaic and classical Greek temples in Sicily and compare them with temples in Greece. Using a binomial test I show strong evidence that there is a preference for solar orientations. I then speculate that differences in alignment patterns between Sicily and Greece reflect differing pressures in the expression of ethnic identity.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Astronomy*
  • Greece
  • Greek World
  • Humans
  • Models, Statistical
  • Religion*
  • Sicily