Temporary Astronomical Observing Points of The VII Century BC in Salbyk and Semistar in the Sayan-Altai

Astroarchaeology is a relatively new trend in the world archaeology and astronomy, which began to develop in Western Europe from the late nineteenth century, and in Russia, only since the 1980-ies. Mapping of temporary astronomical observing points in Salbyk, Khakassia, and in Semisart, the Altai, has shown their great similarity, both in time of construction and metrological and functional characteristics. This article uses archaeological, paleoastronomic, metrological and comparative research methods. Temporary astronomical points were located outside the centers of large and small mounds. In spite of their usually short-term use, the astronomical observing points played an important role in the construction of places of worship of the ancient nomads of the Sayan-Altai.

Keywords: archaeology, the Sayan-Altai, Salbyk, Semisart, observing point, astroarchaeology, burial mound, earth pit.