Watch The Remarkable Science of Ancient Astronomy

Name: The Remarkable Science of Ancient Astronomy
Released: 2017-01-06
Cast: Bradley E. Schaefer

2017
1 Season

The Remarkable Science of Ancient Astronomy, hosted by Bradley E. Schaefer, is a fascinating exploration of the astronomy and cosmology of ancient civilizations. This course, part of The Great Courses Signature Collection, takes viewers on a journey through time and space, exploring the celestial observations and understanding of the universe of civilizations from ancient Greece to the Maya and beyond.

Over the course of 24 lectures, Schaefer delves into the ways in which ancient peoples observed and measured the stars and planets, and explores the philosophical and cultural implications of their understanding of the cosmos. Through in-depth analysis of ancient texts and artifacts, as well as scientific and astronomical evidence, Schaefer offers a unique insight into the minds of ancient astronomers and their complex relationship with the universe.

The course begins with a discussion of the earliest observations of the stars and planets by prehistoric societies, and moves on to the development of the first sophisticated astronomical instruments in ancient Greece. Schaefer covers the brilliant contributions of ancient astronomers such as Aristarchus, Hipparchus, and Ptolemy, and highlights the important role that astronomy played in Ancient Greek society.

Next, the course explores astronomy and cosmology in other ancient civilizations, such as China, India, and the Maya. Schaefer discusses the remarkable astronomical discoveries of these distant cultures, showing their diverse approaches to understanding the universe, and how they developed their own unique methods of observation and measurement.

Throughout the course, Schaefer emphasizes the importance of these ancient astronomical achievements, not just in terms of the scientific breakthroughs they represent, but also in terms of the cultural and philosophical significance of studying the cosmos. He shows how ancient peoples used their understanding of the stars and planets to create complex mythologies, calendars, and rituals, and how these beliefs and practices contributed to the shaping of the societies in which they lived.

The Remarkable Science of Ancient Astronomy is a great course for anyone interested in the history of science, the evolution of culture, or the mysteries of the cosmos. Schaefer's engaging and knowledgeable presentation, coupled with stunning visual aids and a wealth of fascinating anecdotes, makes this course both entertaining and informative. Whether you are a professional astronomer or just a curious layperson, there is something in this course for everyone.

Overall, The Remarkable Science of Ancient Astronomy is an excellent addition to The Great Courses Signature Collection, and a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the wonders of the universe as seen through the eyes of the ancient world.

The Remarkable Science of Ancient Astronomy is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between January 6, 2017 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection

Filter by Source

Rent or Buy Subscription

Amazon Prime Amazon

Do you have Apple TV?

What are you waiting for?

Nice! Browse Apple TV with Yidio.

Ad Info

Seasons

24. Ancient Astronomy and Modern Astrophysics

January 6, 2017

Finish the course by seeing how ancient records of eclipses and supernova explosions have refined our modern understanding of Earth-Moon dynamics and stellar processes - proving that today's cutting-edge astrophysicists owe a great debt to astronomers who watched the skies long ago.

23. How Ancient Astronomy Ended

January 6, 2017

Review the state of astronomy in 1500. Then chart the revolution sparked by Copernicus's heliocentric theory of the Sun and planets. Learn how Copernicus was the last of the ancient astronomers, succeeded by the founders of modern science, including Tycho, Kepler, and Galileo.

22. Star Catalogs from around the World

January 6, 2017

The genius of Greek astronomy is epitomized by the star catalogs of Hipparchus and Ptolemy. Professor Schaefer recounts his exciting discovery of a star chart apparently influenced by Hipparchus's lost catalog. Close by comparing Greek star catalogs with those of China and the Arab world.

21. Achievements and Legacy of Ptolemy

January 6, 2017

Ptolemy has been called the greatest astronomer of antiquity. But was he? Evaluate his reputation by focusing on his star catalog, celestial coordinate system, and magnitude scale. Then gauge the extent of his influence over later astronomers, which lasted over a thousand years.

20. How the Antikythera Mechanism Worked

January 6, 2017

Learn to operate the Antikythera mechanism, the glory of ancient astronomy. Modern models show how a simple turn of the crank could reveal the day of the year, phase of the Moon, possible eclipse dates, the cycles of ancient games, and other information. Probe the historical impact of this device.

19. Revealing the Antikythera Mechanism

January 6, 2017

In 1901, divers off a Greek island discovered a corroded bronze artifact composed of interlocking gears. Later analysis and X-ray imaging show it is an astonishingly versatile astronomical computer. Professor Schaefer identifies a probable date when it was built and two likely candidates for its brilliant designer.

18. The Genius of Hipparchus

January 6, 2017

Considered the greatest astronomer of the ancient world, Hipparchus created a thousand-star catalog and discovered precession, the eons-slow rotation of the fixed stars around the ecliptic. Did this remarkable discovery give birth to the Mithraic religion, which rivalled Christianity?

17. Breakthroughs of Early Greek Astronomy

January 6, 2017

Between 600 and 200 BC, Greek astronomers went from being flat-Earthers to full proto-scientists with reasonable models and distances for the Solar System. How and why did this revolution happen? Focus on the achievements of Thales, Aristarchus, Eratosthenes, and Aristotle.

16. Ancient Navigation: Polynesian to Viking

January 6, 2017

In the era before compasses and GPS, precise direction-finding was possible only through knowledge of the sky. Learn how the Polynesians found islands across thousands of miles of open ocean, and how the Vikings solved the very different challenge of navigating the North Atlantic.

15. The Lunar Crescent and the Islamic Calendar

January 6, 2017

Delve into the surprisingly tricky problem of deciding when a lunar month begins - usually determined by the first sighting of a crescent Moon after new Moon. Professor Schaefer describes his algorithm for calculating this event and then applies it to dating the crucifixion of Jesus.

14. Ancient Timekeeping and Calendars

January 6, 2017

For ancient people, keeping track of the time of day and year required a detailed understanding of the motions of the Sun, Moon, and stars. See how different cultures solved this problem. Also learn how to use a handy astronomical measuring device called the astrolabe.

13. Tracking Planet Positions and Conjunctions

January 6, 2017

Until the invention of the telescope in 1610, astronomy was mostly the study of the sky positions of the Sun, Moon, and planets. Learn the extraordinary precision attained by ancient astronomers in their observations. Discover why they prized this knowledge, and also uncover a lost great discovery of the Babylonians.

12. Origins and Influence of Astrology

January 6, 2017

Astrology grew up hand in hand with astronomy. Focus on the different astrological traditions in Mesopotamia, China, India, and Mexico. Also trace the spread of astrology through the Mediterranean world. As an example, study the auspicious horoscope of Octavian, who became Emperor Augustus.

11. Chinese and Other Non-Western Constellations

January 6, 2017

Study the constellation patterns of ancient China, which influenced those of India and Arabia. Professor Schaefer dates the origin of the Chinese star groups called lunar lodges, and he samples southern constellations conceived by cultures in South America, and Australia.

10. Origins of Western Constellations

January 6, 2017

The human propensity for pattern recognition and storytelling has led every culture to invent constellations. Trace the birth of the star groups known in the West, many of which originated in ancient Mesopotamia. At least one constellation is almost certainly more than 14,000 years old and may be humanity's oldest surviving creative work.

9. The Star of Bethlehem

January 6, 2017

For centuries, astronomers have struggled to find an explanation for the Star of Bethlehem, recounted in the Gospel of Matthew. Professor Schaefer focuses on a recent theory that has taken scientists and biblical scholars by surprise, due to its success at solving problems that plagued all previous proposals.

8. Eclipses, Comets, and Omens

January 6, 2017

Since no human can touch the sky, any unexpected celestial event must be a divine omen. Reenter this primordial state of mind, seeing eclipses and comets the way they were perceived before the advent of modern science. In the course of this investigation, discover why comets became more feared than eclipses.

7. Meteorite Worship and Start of the Iron Age

January 6, 2017

Witnessing a meteor fall must have been a strange and awe-inspiring experience for people long ago. Travel around the world to places where meteorites were worshiped and also used as a source of iron, which was rarer than gold before the smelting technology of the Iron Age.

6. Ancient Cosmologies and Worldviews

January 6, 2017

Consider the astronomy-based world views of different ancient cultures and how they answered the three big questions: Where did the world come from? What is the nature of the universe? What is its fate? Survey the beliefs of the Greeks, Chinese, Australian aborigines, and other groups, seeking common elements.

5. Chaco Canyon and Anasazi Astronomy

January 6, 2017

Travel to Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, where the Anasazi culture practiced sky-centered rituals a thousand years ago. Look for evidence of their astronomical knowledge, examine their many "sun daggers," and probe the controversial pictograph thought to depict the Crab Nebula supernova explosion in 1054 AD.

4. Astronomy of Egypt's Great Pyramid

January 6, 2017

Study the astronomical significance of Egypt's Great Pyramid. How did its builders achieve such phenomenal accuracy in the pyramid's alignment to the cardinal directions? Were its air shafts intended to point at stars of special importance? Also evaluate modern claims for the mystical power of pyramids.

3. Alignments at Maes Howe and Newgrange

January 6, 2017

Explore Neolithic tombs and monuments across Europe, discovering an array of alignments toward astronomical events. Start with two sites that are similar to Stonehenge in their clear orientation to the winter solstice: Maes Howe in the Orkney Islands, and Newgrange in Ireland.

2. The Real Stonehenge

January 6, 2017

In the popular mind, Stonehenge was built as a sophisticated astronomical calculator presided over by priestly astronomers called Druids. But is this view dating from the mid-1960s correct? Address the evidence, and survey the archaeological record to discover the most probable function of Stonehenge.

1. Stonehenge and Archaeoastronomy

January 6, 2017

Why were the motions of the Sun, Moon, and stars so important to ancient people? Investigate key astronomical directions noticed by all cultures. Then embark on your study of Stonehenge, seeing how it gave birth to the field of archaeoastronomy and to some very curious modern theories.#Science & Mathematics

Description

Where to Watch The Remarkable Science of Ancient Astronomy

The Remarkable Science of Ancient Astronomy is available for streaming on the The Great Courses Signature Collection website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Remarkable Science of Ancient Astronomy on demand at Amazon Prime and Amazon.