Giulio Magli has written a second edition of his easy-to-follow guide to the theory and practice of archaeoastronomy. His goal is to provide readers with the necessary knowledge and skill set to identify serious archaeoastronomical research within the large number of written publications that make claims (some with strong empirical support, and some without) about the application and materialization of astronomical knowledge in past societies—and his book does just that. Magli describes these robust studies of archaeoastronomy as those that consider aspects of the culture in which the studies are being conducted rather than those for which researchers impose their own assumptions or beliefs onto their findings. This second edition differs from the first edition (2016) in that Magli includes a new chapter devoted to archaeoastronomical case studies in Asia, and the book also gives readers the option to “visit” selected sites virtually via augmented reality (AR). Magli also includes a series of exercises at the end of the book for readers to put this archaeoastronomical knowledge into practice.

The book is divided into three parts: “Methods,” “Ideas,” and “Places.” Part I, “Methods,” introduces relevant tools and methods of archaeoastronomy. As with any subject, it is important first to understand basic terminology and methodology. Chapter 1 reads almost as if it were a reference guide for introductory astronomy courses, and Magli discusses basic astronomical concepts necessary for understanding and practicing archaeoastronomy. Chapter 2 familiarizes readers with data acquisition techniques, including fieldwork methods and the range of modern technological devices utilized in making and recording observations. Chapter 3 focuses on data analysis. Interestingly, Magli discusses computer software that is widely available for anyone to use—some for free and others for purchase—particularly virtual globe software and digital planetarium software. Although these software programs are not new, they are underutilized in archaeoastronomy, and perhaps this book will encourage wider implementation of these incredibly helpful tools. Part I may seem overly technical for some readers, and Magli addresses this point in the introduction. Although these chapters do consider some very technical terminology and concepts, they are not out of reach for the general reader. The book is written in such a way that it is easy enough to browse through Part I and use it as a reference for later chapters and the exercises.

Part II, “Ideas,” begins with Chapter 4, which serves as a brief overview of human evolution and intersections between evolutionary trends and developments in art, agriculture, and the built environment, with a strong focus on monumental architecture. Magli considers several examples, including Paleolithic cave art at Lascaux, the structures of Stonehenge, Hagar Qim in Malta, and Göbekli Tepe in Turkey, to name a few. Although Magli makes intriguing arguments and observations, there are some overgeneralized statements. It is important to remember that this chapter is meant as a brief overview, and many topics it covers are still debated among anthropologists and archaeologists. An important concept introduced in this chapter is cosmology—knowledge, beliefs, and interpretations of the origin(s) and organization of the universe and the roles of various beings within that universe. This concept is important for archaeoastronomy because interpretations of the sky/cosmos, and thereby the material manifestations of this knowledge, develop and exist within individual cultural cosmologies. As archaeologists, we must investigate and interpret (to the extent that we can) these various manifestations with respect to those beliefs and understandings. Chapter 5 discusses cosmological dimensions of various social dynamics: practices of power, cosmological “worlds”/planes, “masters” of the cosmos, landscapes, and cosmic “machines” (e.g., architectural hierophanies). The final chapter of Part II, Chapter 6, discusses the scientific foundations of archaeoastronomy. Archaeoastronomy exhibits numerous attributes of both scientific and humanistic disciplines—using astronomical data and calculations alongside cultural knowledge drawn from relevant ethnography, ethnohistory, and oral traditions—and Magli outlines these scientific and humanistic aspects of archaeoastronomy in compelling ways. It might have been better had this chapter appeared earlier on in the book, given that it discusses archaeoastronomy as a discipline and how it both functions within and contributes to archaeology as a whole.

Part III, “Places,” is a series of case studies of sites that vary both spatially and temporally, with applications of analytical techniques outlined in Parts I and II. Part I equips readers with the tools and information to analyze research and interpretations in archaeoastronomy critically, and in Part III, Magli introduces readers to case studies, which are then amenable to analyses and interpretations. These case studies include the earthworks and megaliths of Stonehenge, the pyramids of ancient Egypt, the Maya city of Uxmal, and others from around the world, although it is outside the scope of this book to cover all countries and world areas. However, the sites and areas that are discussed show the versatility of applying the archaeoastronomical approaches and techniques that Magli advocates and demonstrates.

This book is an excellent and compelling introduction to archaeoastronomy. Although it is of academic caliber, it is accessible to any general reader. It is important to remember that it is meant as an introduction—many chapters could be entire volumes of their own. Although many readers would benefit from additional discussions of particular sites or analytical techniques, this book serves as a valuable introduction to the study and practice of archaeoastronomy that equips readers with tools to begin or enhance research on connections between people and the sky in different places and periods in the human past.