One function of the large earthwork complexes, such as the one found at Marietta, was to track the passage of seasons through astronomical observations. Aligned along the parallel walls of “Sacra Via” is the winter solstice sunset. On December 21st at 4pm we will hold a solstice sunset watch at Sacra Via Park (between Third and Second Streets.) If the weather cooperates, we will view the sun setting on the western Muskingum Valley bluff between 4 to 4:30 pm in near perfect alignment with Sacra Via. The event will be FREE and open to the public, with maps and a brief commentary provided by Castle archaeologist Wes Clarke.