Skywatchers of Ancient Mexico (Texas Pan American Series)

By Anthony F. Aveni

Book Overview

Combining as it does the romance of space with the mystery of the past, the study of pre-Columbian skywatchers of the New World has drawn increasing scientific and popular attention in recent years.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0292775784
• ISBN13: 9780292775787
• Release Date: January 1983
• Publisher: Univ of Texas Pr
• Length: 369 Pages
• Weight: 1.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.0" x 0.8" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

Skywatchers of Ancient Mexico

Great book for Astronomy history buffs. The Mayans were some of the great astronomers of the past and this book details the methods and briefs. While the book leans to the textbook side, thus the 4 rating rather than a 5 star, it is very readable. I liked the decoding of the Mayan Gliffs. The book shows numerous gliffs and provides written intreputations. A Mayan astronomer, for example, is shown sitting with his eye reaching out and grasping a star. The book also details the Mayan calendar and how they determined rather precisely the orbital period of Venus and other heavenly bodies.The book is great for anyone wanting a better understanding of anicent astronomical methods and a further understanding of the Mayan people.