Strict solar alignment of Bronze Age rock carvings in SE Sweden? – Critical remarks on an archaeoastronomical case study

• Published in: Journal of archaeological science 2013-05, Vol.40 (5), p.2321-2325
• Main Author: Hesse, Ralf
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Accuracy; Archaeoastronomy; Bronze Age; Europe; LIDAR; Metal Ages; North West Europe; Precision; Prehistory and protohistory; Rock carvings; Sweden
• ISSN: 0305-4403; 1095-9238
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2013.01.018

A recently published paper proposing a “strict solar alignment” of figurative rock carvings in southern Sweden requires some critical and cautionary remarks. Using the paper “Strict solar alignment of Bronze Age rock carvings in SE Sweden” by N.-A. Mörner as a case study, various pitfalls and challenges in archaeoastronomical investigations are highlighted. Substantiating the idea of a relationship between the orientation of archaeological features such as rock carvings and astronomical events such as sunrise at winter solstice requires accurate and precise determination of (i) the orientation of the archaeological features and (ii) the azimuth of the astronomical event at the time of creation of the rock carvings, taking into account all influencing factors such as changes in Earth orbit parameters, surrounding topography and vegetation. Furthermore, possible motivations or intentions of Bronze Age rock carvers have to be considered. When trying to support a causal link between the orientation of archaeological features and astronomical events, it is indispensable to discuss and exclude possible alternative explanations, related to, for example, rock carving practice and visibility. Taking into account the above issues, there is no evidence for a solar alignment of the Järrestad rock carvings. The issues discussed using the Järrestad rock carvings as a case study are relevant to archaeoastronomical investigations in general. ► An assessment of “Strict solar alignment of rock carvings in SE Sweden” by N.-A. Mörner reveals numerous pitfalls. ► Accuracy and precision are indispensable for archaeoastronomical investigations. ► The orientations of rock carvings at Järrestad do not support an archaeoastronomical hypothesis. ► Several alternative explanations for the orientations of the rock carvings are discussed.