Question

What practical value did astronomy offer to ancient civilizations?

a.) It helped them understand our cosmic origins.
b.) It helped them find uses for ancient structures like Stonehenge.
c.) It allowed them to predict eclipses with great accuracy.
d.) It helped them keep track of time and seasons, and it was used by some cultures for navigation.

Answer 1

Astronomy in ancient civilizations had practical applications in timekeeping, agriculture, religious practices, and navigation. Observatories like Stonehenge were used to mark solstices and equinoxes, and celestial events were interpreted as divine signs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The practical value that astronomy offered to ancient civilizations includes helping them keep track of time and seasons, which was essential for agricultural practices, religious ceremonies, and navigation. For example, the Babylonian priests used astronomical observations to create the first calendar, aiding farmers with crucial seasonal information.

Similarly, in Mesopotamia, astronomers developed advanced understanding of celestial movements, contributing to the foundation of the science of astronomy and improving timekeeping systems.

Furthermore, ancient observatories, such as Stonehenge and the Sun Dagger in Chaco Canyon, enabled the observation of solstices and equinoxes, which were important for religious and cultural rituals. Ancient peoples also saw celestial bodies as symbols of the gods, and by understanding their movements, they believed they could interpret the will of these divine forces, affecting every aspect of their lives.