Introduction · Your first step
Ancient places.
Shared skies.
New perspectives.
Introduction to Skyscape Archaeology
Why did the sky matter to people in the past? Explore the connections between monuments, landscapes and celestial events—and discover a new way of seeing familiar places.
Experience
No prior knowledge needed
For you if
You’re curious about ancient skies
Your commitment
A first taste of the subject
Begin with curiosity
You’ve seen the monuments.
Now look to the sky.
A sunrise along a passage. A season marked by a star. A landscape shaped by stories.
This introductory course opens up the questions at the heart of skyscape archaeology. Through examples from different societies, you’ll explore how people have understood the sky—and how we can investigate those relationships today.
A fresh way to see the past
✓ Recognise the many ways the sky can matter within a culture.
✓ Explore examples that connect sky, architecture and landscape.
✓ Understand what researchers mean by an astronomical alignment.
✓ Begin asking what evidence supports an interpretation.
✓ Discover which questions you would like to pursue further.
Inside the course
A world of ancient skies.
Proposed outline — adapt to your final course content.
What is skyscape archaeology?
An introduction to human relationships with the sky: how celestial observations, cultural meanings and archaeological evidence come together.
Sun, Moon and stars in human lives
Explore how the rhythms of the sky can inform seasonal activities, timekeeping, stories and ritual.
Monuments, landscapes and perspectives
Encounter examples from different times and places, considering how the sky forms part of a wider cultural landscape.
From intriguing ideas to thoughtful questions
Discover why a possible alignment is the beginning of an investigation, and consider the evidence that can help us understand its significance.
Accessible. Thoughtful. Research-led.
Bring your questions.
We’ll help you begin.
You don’t need a background in astronomy or archaeology. This is a starting point for people who enjoy ancient places, the night sky and discovering how others have understood the world.
The Academy’s teaching approach
Expertise without
unnecessary barriers.
The Academy is led by Dr Fabio Silva and Dr Erica Ellingson, bringing archaeological and astronomical perspectives to the study of ancient skies.
Expect clear explanations, cultural context and careful attention to evidence.
Your first step beneath the sky
Start with an
open question.
Discover whether skyscape archaeology is the subject you’ve been looking for.
No previous study required.
No commitment to the full Training Programme.
Introduction course · 2027
Be there at the beginning.
Course fee, delivery format and access arrangements to be confirmed.
Contact us for details about the upcoming course.
A few things you might be wondering
Before you begin.
Do I need to understand astronomy?
No. The introduction is designed for people without previous knowledge of astronomy or archaeology.
Will this teach me to carry out a full site survey?
This is an introduction to the subject. For structured training in research methods, explore the Training Programme; for intensive practical experience, explore the Field School.
Do I have to continue onto another course?
No. Take the introduction as a standalone experience, or use it to discover which aspects of the subject you would like to explore further.
Where could your curiosity lead?
A beginning, with room to grow.
Follow a specific interest through Faculty Courses, develop your expertise through the Training Programme, or learn in the landscape at the Field School.