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E-Group Arrangements

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Handbook of Archaeoastronomy and Ethnoastronomy

Abstract

Group E at Uaxactún has long been considered an ancient Maya observatory in which an observer could see the sun rise along architectural alignments at the solstices and equinoxes. E-Groups named for the architectural complex list identified in Group E at Uaxactún, typically consist of a large radial pyramid on their west side and three temples on a raised platform on their east side.

E-Groups have been interpreted in a variety of ways over the last 90 years. According to researchers, E-Group complexes may be viewed as (1) functioning solar (solstice and/or solar zenith passage) observatory; (2) seasonal orientation calendar device applied to large-scale trade movements; (3) functioning specialized observatory for marking the positions of the sun and Venus; (4) the commemorative astronomical complex; (5) nonfunctioning symbolic or allegoric architectural complex; and (6) theatres or proscenia that served as planetariums rather than observatories.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Anthropology, St. Thomas University, 51 Dineen Drive, Fredericton, NB, Canada

    Grant R. Aylesworth

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  1. Grant R. Aylesworth
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Correspondence to Grant R. Aylesworth .

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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Aylesworth, G.R. (2015). E-Group Arrangements. In: Ruggles, C. (eds) Handbook of Archaeoastronomy and Ethnoastronomy. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6141-8_69

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