Astronomy in Ancient Civilizations

Reading Passage: Many ancient civilizations relied heavily on astronomy for agricultural purposes. The Mayans, for instance, developed an intricate calendar system that was tied to the cycles of celestial bodies. Their observations allowed them to determine the best times for planting and harvesting crops, ensuring a steady food supply. Similarly, the Egyptians utilized their knowledge of the stars to align their pyramids and predict seasonal floods of the Nile River, which were crucial for agriculture.