Sanctuary "The Temple of Time" in North Khakassia: Methods of Research, Reconstruction of its Appointment

This article reveals the results of the study of the Tagar culture archaeological monument the Temple of Time discovered in 2000 by V. E. Larichev. The monument is located in the area of mountain region «Sunduki» in the Northern Khakassia. The monument is a small artificial stone chamber with several rows of incision, forming a complex system of signs on the edges of two blocks of sandstone. In 2004, V. E. Larichev proposed deciphering the sequences of these incisions as a calendar system, and an assumption was made that the illumination of the monument during the year was related to the sequence of incisions.The article describes non-trivial geodetic measurements and astronomical calculations, which made it possible to simulate the illumination of the interior of the chamber with incisions within the year by the Sun in 2009–2010. Thus, the correctness of the scientific approach and methods of research by V. E. Larichev was proved. The article substantiates the importance of astronomical research methods and direct observations in astronomically significant days of the year when studying similar archaeological sites.

Keywords: astroarchaeology, Tagar culture, calendars, light and shadow picture