What did ancient humans know about astronomy?

Ancient civilizations possessed a remarkable understanding of astronomy, shaping their beliefs, calendars, and navigation. Millennia ago, civilizations like the Mesopotamians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Mayans made significant strides in comprehending celestial bodies without modern technology.

The Mesopotamians, around 3000 BCE, developed one of the earliest written languages and tracked celestial events like lunar cycles and planetary movements on clay tablets. They created the first primitive calendars, essential for agriculture and religious ceremonies.

Egyptians were skilled astronomers who aligned pyramids with astronomical precision, notably the Great Pyramid of Giza, oriented to the cardinal points. They tracked stars like Sirius, crucial for predicting the annual flooding of the Nile, and vital for their agricultural calendar.

The Greeks, notably figures like Aristotle and Ptolemy, made substantial strides in astronomy. They proposed the geocentric model, placing Earth at the center of the universe, and influencing astronomical thought for centuries.

In the Americas, the Mayans' astronomical knowledge was advanced, developing precise calendars based on celestial cycles. Their calendar, the Long Count, predicted astronomical events with impressive accuracy.

These ancient societies utilized astronomy for practical and spiritual purposes. Their observations aided navigation, agriculture, and religious ceremonies, contributing to their societal advancement.

Despite lacking modern technology, ancient humans demonstrated an impressive grasp of celestial phenomena, laying the groundwork for modern astronomy and inspiring future scientific inquiry. Their discoveries continue to astound and influence our understanding of the cosmos today.