MINOAN STAR SAILORS: LINKING PALACE ORIENTATIONS WITH MARITIME TRADE ROUTES AND CELESTIAL NAVIGATION

Abstract

This research utilizes in situ archaeoastronomical fieldwork to survey the axis orientations of the Neopalatial central courts of Knossos, Kato Zakro, Phaistos, Malia, Galatas, Gournia, and Sisi. The study develops a methodology that analyzes maritime routes, skyscape simulations (accounting for precession and extinction coefficients), archaeological dating, wind patterns, and material evidence of Minoan seaborne exchange cycles. Based on the evidence, the study proposes that Minoan central court axes were oriented toward navigational stars used on sea journeys across the Mediterranean. This is supported by comparative data from Polynesian and Micronesian ethnoastronomy that describes the use of sidereal compasses and “star paths” that represented interisland direct courses. The data indicates that 1) Knossos was oriented toward Sidon via Spica (α Virginis); 2) Kato Zakro toward Pelusium or Avaris via Castor (α Geminorum) and Arcturus (α Bootis); 3) Phaistos toward Cyprus, Qatna and Kadesh via Betelgeuse (ɑ Orionis) and Markab (α Pegasi); 4) Malia toward Megiddo or Tel Kabri via Orion’s Belt; 5) Galatas to Byblos via Delphinus; 6) Gournia to Akrotiri via Antares (α Scorpius) or possibly Alalakh via Altair (α Aquilae); and 7) Sisi to Ashkelon via Sirius (α Canis Majoris). It is hypothesized that the orienting of palatial architecture toward star paths and specific sea lanes may have symbolized the special relationships between the palaces and distinct foreign emporia, while also being a source of legitimization of power for the local elite who controlled the ideological and technological frameworks of maritime knowledge.