Book chapter
Origins of the “Western” Constellations
Handbook of Archaeoastronomy and Ethnoastronomy, pp.147-163
Springer New York
07/07/2014
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-6141-8_11
Abstract
The development of the 48 Greek constellations is analyzed as a complex mixture of cognitive layers deriving from different cultural traditions and dating back to different epochs. The analysis begins with a discussion of the zodiacal constellations, goes on to discuss the stellar lore in Homer and Hesiod, and then examines several theories concerning the origins of the southern non-zodiacal constellations. It concludes with a commentary concerning the age and possible cultural significance of stars of the Great Bear constellation in light of ethnohistorical documentation, folklore, and beliefs related to European bear ceremonialism.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Origins of the “Western” Constellations
- Creators
- Roslyn M Frank - University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
- Publication Details
- Handbook of Archaeoastronomy and Ethnoastronomy, pp.147-163
- DOI
- 10.1007/978-1-4614-6141-8_11
- Publisher
- Springer New York; New York, NY
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 07/07/2014
- Academic Unit
- Spanish and Portuguese
- Record Identifier
- 9984093385302771
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