Question

What was the significance of the ecliptic in ancient Mayan astronomy?

A) Path of the Sun and planets
B) Division of the celestial sphere
C) Marker of celestial events
D) Symbol of cosmic balance

Answer 1

The ecliptic's significance in ancient Mayan astronomy was as the Path of the Sun and planets, deeply integrated into their calendar and ritual practices.

Step-by-step explanation:

The significance of the ecliptic in ancient Mayan astronomy is best described as the Path of the Sun and planets (A). The Maya carefully observed the sky and developed a sophisticated calendar system that accounted for the solar year and other cycles. The ecliptic is the path that the Sun appears to travel across the celestial sphere over the course of a year, which is also closely aligned with the paths of the planets and the Moon. The Mayans recognized that celestial events along the ecliptic, especially the position of Venus relative to the Sun and Moon, were of profound importance, influencing not only their calendar but also potentially their rituals and decision-making, such as scheduling battles to coincide with these cosmic cycles.