This is a subproject that is part of a coordinated project of a clearly multidisciplinary nature. It focuses on an interdisciplinary subject by nature such as cultural astronomy, involving disciplines as diverse as astronomy, archaeology, anthropology or epigraphy, and even statistics, image processing, and remote sensing. The IAC has pioneered Spain in this discipline and now its activity is reinforced by the Incipit synergy, and the incorporation of an Egyptologist from the UAB to the Research Team. Here we will continue several open research lines of and propose new ones, all focused on the relationship between astronomy and social sciences, in particular with land- and skyscape archaeology. According to the lines set out in the Coordination Summary, the following challenges are faced, indicating the specific participation of the IAC:
1) ASTRONOMY IN THE CULTURES OF THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA. In the framework of previous versions of the OAS project, we focused on the study of various aspects of these cultures related to land- and skycapes, and we plan to deepen on them. In particular, we intend to use our experience as a source for further studies. One of the objectives is to better understand the way ancient Egyptian astronomers worked and how astronomical symbolism was implemented in epigraphy. In addition, we wish to expand our knowledge of the Hittite world in Anatolia and continue studies on the Nabataean world at Hegra (Saudi Arabia) and Petra (Jordan).
2) ASTRONOMICAL TRADITIONS IN THE INTERACTION BETWEEN CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM. Here we intend to build on the work begun in OAS IV and V on the relationship between astronomy and culture in Christian churches. A natural extension of this research will be to unveil the interactions in the areas of conflict between Christianity and Islam (Iberian Peninsula and Sicily).
3) ARCHAEOASTRONOMICAL STUDY OF THE CLASSICAL WORLD. Since the beginning of the last decade, several studies have been carried out on Roman urbanism, examining how this would align with the celestial and terrestrial landscapes of Roman culture. In this new framework, we intend to extend the studies to the Danubian region (provinces of Thrace and Moesia) and, eventually, to ancient Numidia.
4) MEGALITHIC LAND- AND SKYSCAPES. These studies focus on the astronomy of the megalithic phenomenon in the context of landscape archaeology. In addition, it is planned to promote some series of Iberian dolmens, such as the dolmens of the Atlantic façade, as a new heritage resource within the framework of the UNESCO-IAU AWH initiative.
5) DELVING INTO NEW TECHNIQUES: ARCHAEOASTRONOMY FROM SPACE (REMOTE SENSING) and 3D. Although fieldwork is a crucial aspect of our discipline, the use of high-resolution spatial images or digital terrain models can help researchers when they need to deal with a large number of elements, or when geopolitical situations prevent obtaining in situ data. It is planned to continue using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and machine learning techniques for the systematic study of orientation patterns and their fit in the landscape. We plan to continue with the study of monumental prehistoric tombs in the Hejaz (Saudi Arabia) and temples in Egypt (objective 1).
