2024-12-22T00:56:26-05:00 https://archinect.com/news/article/150343374/architecture-of-mesa-verde-s-sun-temple-reveals-ancient-astronomical-observatory Nam Henderson 2023-03-22T10:39:00-04:00 >2024-10-25T04:07:38-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/87/87a5619f580747e214d13dc9d49a174e.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><em><p>It&rsquo;s sheer genius...The architect did this with no known writing or numerical system, no computers. They laid it out with yucca cords and sticks. They were the Michaelangelo of their time.</p></em><br /><br /><figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/78/7873217ca8b9cc85260ae859548e686c.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/78/7873217ca8b9cc85260ae859548e686c.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>A diagram of Sun Temple drawn by pioneering archaeologist J.W. Fewkes (National Parks Service)</figcaption></figure><p>David Gilbert digs into recent analysis by <a href="http://sherrytowers.com/" target="_blank">Dr. Sherry Towers</a> who believes cliff-dwellings in southwestern Colorado&rsquo;s Mesa Verde National Park comprise one of the most advanced astronomical observatories in the ancient world. Though at least some indigenous Hopi argue they were more places for collective celebration, not measurement, of solar and lunar cycles.</p>