Skywatchers, Shamans & Kings: Astronomy and the Archaeology of Power
Discover the celestial myths and cosmic rituals of ancient priests and kings
Drawing on intimate knowledge of the more than 1,300 ancient sites he has visited, E. C. Krupp, acclaimed writer and preeminent researcher, takes you to the world's essential sacred places and celestial shrines. Join him on a rich narrative journey to see where the rulers of old communed with the gods of the sky.
"Highly recommended to everyone interested in the culture of astronomy and those peoples who practiced it in their own ways."-Sky & Telescope
"A lively account of the ways in which our ancestors conceived of and used the heavens."-New Scientist
"There can be no doubt that this imaginative and readable work by a widely read and widely traveled author will strike a chord in the minds of a great many modern readers."-Isis
"The fact that the book is written by an expert in his field comes through on every page, as does his enthusiasm for the subject."-Astronomy Now
"Krupp's indispensable volume is fascinating, well-illustrated, and covers much territory."-Parabola
We earn a commission for purchases made through the following links.
Book details
- Author
- E.C. Krupp
- Imprint
- Trade Paper Press, an imprint of Turner Publishing Company
- Published
- Pages
- 364
- Formats
- Paperback, Hardcover
- Subjects
- Science › Space Science › Astronomy
- Topics
- archaeoastronomy · ancient sacred sites · celestial mythology · astronomy history · prehistoric rituals · ancient rulers and power · sky worship
- ISBN-13
- 9780471329756 (Paperback)9781630261665 (Hardcover)
About the author
E.C. KRUPP is the Director of the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, a position he has held since 1974, and the author of five books on ancient, prehistoric, and traditional astronomy for adults. His books include Beyond the Blue Horizon, Echoes of the Ancient Skies and In Search of Ancient Astronomers.
Krupp received the Klumpke-Roberts Award from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific and the Andrew Gemant Award in 2013. He holds a B.A. from Pomona College and an M.A. and Ph.D. in astronomy from UCLA.
When he’s not writing, Krupp has personally visited and photographed nearly 2,200 ancient and prehistoric sites worldwide. That fieldwork underpins his expertise in archaeoastronomy.
Edwin lives in Los Angeles.