EVOLUTION OF ASTRONOMICAL FACILITIES AND PRACTICES IN ANCIENT THRACE

Abstract

Evolution of megalithic and rock-cut monuments used for astronomical observations and practices in an

cient Thrace are presented in this work. Classificaton is made after independent archaeoastronomical

research of the rock-cut monuments and cave sanctuaries.

The discovery and the accumulation of "in situ" material allow to identify the signs of the formation of a

number of their parameters - territorial, chronological, functional. One of the promising areas of research, for

example, is to distinguish different rock shrines and megalithic complexes associated with long term

astronomical observations and astronomical practices. Another area is the specification of the affiliation of

individual objects to synchronously existed settlements and tribal communities. This way, reasons for their

appearance, function and place in everyday life of citizens and society in Ancient Thrace can be justified.

Here we consider examples of positional astronomical observations, projective systems, and monochrome

paintings with calendar records. We present the concept of "dynamic structure of the rock-cut monument",

which means that the site is characterized not only with space but also with time parameters as cyclicity and

duration of existence connected with various cults and cult practices.

The evolution of astronomical facilities and practices is shown by the suggested typology of the rock-cut

monuments according to their locality, landscape of the environment, functional astronomical elements, and

accuracy.