To the Moon: Archaeological Discoveries in Ancient North America
|Dr. Timothy Pauketat, professor of anthropology and medieval studies and associate director for research with the Illinois State Archaeological Survey will discuss how the cycles of the sun and moon were instrumental in the rise of pre-Hispanic Native American civilizations at Chaco Canyon in New Mexico and Cahokia in Missouri and Illinois in the ninth through 13th centuries AD. The proof begins with the layout of ancient archaeological sites: Stone walls at Chaco Canyon and thatched-roof temples at Cahokia line up with significant astronomical events, including the solstices, the equinox, and obscure moon rises and moon sets that happen over a person’s lifetime. Archaeological proofs extend into the daily lives and ritual practices of ancient farmers, especially as seen at the Emerald site near Cahokia. Here, Cahokians sacrificed young human beings in conjunction with important full moons. New discoveries at Emerald and Cahokia, along with those at the Puebloan shrine complex of Chimney Rock, show how the moon shaped the character and tempo of human history. The history shared by both people and the moon was not to last, and there are lessons for us today. Free and open to the public. Reception to follow in the courtyard of the Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources Building. Sponsored by the MU Department of Anthropology. Contact 573-882-4731 or firstname.lastname@example.org for more information.