Configuration and orientation of saroe and artamugarri in the Basque country.
Abstract
The precise origin and function of stone octagons in Euskal Herria are unknown. Although the first written testimonies bearing witness to their presence date back to the 12th century, their existence can be perceived in 11th century documentation. Additionally, in Cantabria, only a short distance from Euskal Herria, there is documentary evidence that the term sel, or stone octagon was already in use in the 9th century. Even so, the most recent archaeological work suggests an even earlier chronological axis for the data. Stone octagons should be not be understood as exclusive to Euskal Herria for they are encountered all cross the Cantabrian facade of the Iberian Peninsula (Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria), and their presence is documented further south in Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha. It is likewise possible that stone octagons or similar structures may have existed further to the north along the atlantic facade in Breizh (Brittany).
- Publication:
-
Astronomy and Culture
- Pub Date:
- 1997
- Bibcode:
- 1997ascu.conf...95Z
- Keywords:
-
- Archaeoastronomy