Evidence Suggesting the Existence of a Previous Temple at Dendera, Egypt

Abstract

Evidence is presented suggesting the possible existence of a previous temple dedicated to Hathor at Dendera. Two astronomical alignments of the temple with Alkaid, a star in the constellation Ursa Minor, occur during the 26,000 year-long precessional cycle. The more recent alignment is when the current temple was constructed around 50 BCE. An earlier alignment occurred approximately 10,000 years ago. We propose that the present temple was built over a preexisting foundation that was originally aligned to Alkaid 10,000 years ago. An interpretation of parts of the Dendera Zodiac is consistent with this hypothesis.

Keywords: Dendera Zodiac, Hathor temple, alignments, Alkaid, archaeoastronomy