Date of Graduation

5-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Geography (MS)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Geosciences

Advisor/Mentor

Paradise, Thomas R.

Committee Member

Davidson, Fiona M.

Second Committee Member

Tullis, Jason A.

Keywords

Amazon Basin; Archeo-astronomy; Earth-Sun relationships to architecture; Geoglyphs

Abstract

The alignments of ancient man-made earthworks across the Amazon Basin, known as geoglyphs, have recently been discovered to predate early societal dates. Although much research indicated that the Amazon was uninhabitable until the last 1000 years (Meggers 1971), new evidence suggests this is not the case. The application of advanced cartographic and GIS technologies were implemented to link solar ‘marker’ days (e.g. solstices, equinoxes) with the alignment of geoglyphs, megaliths, stone architecture, and broader city forms to discover and analyze previously unknown Earth-Sun relationships across the Amazon Basin to conceivably sophisticated urban and architectural plans. The study of these geoglyphs and other man-made structures has revealed comparable solar linkages and alignments; it is hoped that similar alignments will be found, leading to a shift in our understanding of the level of complexity used by ancient Amazonian tribes and civilizations. The implications of these findings are significant, not only for understanding the Amazonian peoples' history and culture but also for challenging the long-held Western-centric view of civilization and development. By recognizing the advanced knowledge and practices of ancient Amazonian societies, we can gain a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the diversity of human ability throughout history.

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