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Astronomy and Politics

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Handbook of Archaeoastronomy and Ethnoastronomy

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Abstract

The relationship between astronomy and politics is a complex but important part of understanding the practice of astronomy throughout history. This chapter explores some of the ways that astronomy, astrology, and politics have interacted, placing particular focus on the way that astronomy and astrology have been used for political purposes by both people in power and people who wish to influence a ruler’s policy. Also discussed are the effects that politics has had on the development of astronomy and, in particular, upon the recording and preservation of astronomical knowledge.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Egyptology and Ancient Western Asian Studies, Brown University, Box 1899, 02912, Providence, RI, USA

    John M. Steele

Authors
  1. John M. Steele
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Correspondence to John M. Steele .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Archaeology & Ancient History, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom

    Clive L.N. Ruggles

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Steele, J.M. (2015). Astronomy and Politics. In: Ruggles, C. (eds) Handbook of Archaeoastronomy and Ethnoastronomy. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6141-8_6

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