Ancient Skies - Vol 08 No 3 - 1981-82

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 8, Number 3
Date: July-August, 1981
Publisher: ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY
Country: USA

This issue of ANCIENT SKIES features a lead article on the "Malta Mystery in the Mediterranean" by Miss Lore Hasselmann, exploring the enigmatic "cart ruts" and megalithic temples of the islands. Other sections include an interpretation of Zecharia Sitchin's work, announcements for upcoming conferences and expeditions, and new book releases.

Malta Mystery in the Mediterranean

The Cart Ruts

Miss Lore Hasselmann, secretary for the Society for the Research and Investigation of Phenomena (SRIP), details her examination of the "cart ruts" on Malta and Gozo. These ruts are parallel grooves etched into the limestone, exhibiting curves, switches, and crossings, with a surprisingly uniform gauge of 1.23m (4 feet). The grooves vary in depth up to 72cm (28.3 inches) and in width from 65cm (25.6 inches) to 123cm (48.4 inches). Their inner surfaces are smoothly finished and V-shaped. The ruts are found across the islands, extending to the sea and even underwater, with some continuing down hillsides into valleys estimated to be 60,000 years old. Hasselmann notes that natural causes like erosion or cooling molten stone cannot explain these features. Traditional explanations of "cart ruts" made by heavy wheeled carts or sledges are refuted by the ruts' curves and switches, and by the fact that SRIP's test vehicle could not navigate the curves. Furthermore, geological evidence suggests the ruts predate the megalithic temples.

The Megalithic Temples

The article also discusses the megalithic temples found on Malta and Gozo, describing them as the work of an advanced civilization. These structures are composed of enormous limestone blocks, some weighing several tons, carefully worked and polished. Archaeologists estimate the Maltese temples to be the oldest constructed free-standing monuments in the world, dating back 6,000 years. Specific temple sites mentioned include Mnajdra, Hagar Qim, Tarxien, Kordin, Xrobb il-Ghagin, Tal-Qadi, and Bugibba on Malta, and Ggantija on Gozo. The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a three-story subterranean vaulted chamber, is highlighted as a marvel of architectural design and craftsmanship, featuring a dome-shaped vault, faultless acoustics, and an integrated air-conditioning system, suggesting engineering far beyond Stone-Age capabilities. The article notes that the lower floor of the Hypogeum is 12m (40 feet) below ground level. An underground tunnel is said to connect the Tarxien temple complex with the Hypogeum, and SRIP members suspect other temples may have similar hidden passages. Artistic work, including spiral motifs and animal friezes, adorns some temple rooms, and terra cotta figurines have been found. The temples are also noted to be astronomically orientated, with an analysis of their alignments published in Archaeoastronomy.

Erich von Daniken's book "Signs of the Gods?" is mentioned as discussing the phenomena of Malta.

Sitchin: An Interpretation

This section presents an interpretation of Zecharia Sitchin's analysis in his book "The Stairway to Heaven." Sitchin interprets textual material regarding King Pepi I as indicating the king was "orbiting Earth." A verse stating the king "crosses the sky like Sunt, which crosses the sky nine times in one night!" is examined. The author of this note suggests that "Sunt" refers to a satellite in low Earth orbit, as such an object would encircle the Earth eight times in a twelve-hour period. The implications of this interpretation are considered profound, potentially indicating that ancient Egyptians had knowledge of space flight mechanics, possibly including the concept of a parking orbit for interplanetary missions.

Dr. Stuart W. Greenwood, with a PhD in aerospace engineering, is cited for his expertise. A note from Zecharia Sitchin confirms the plausibility of the interpretation and corrects the satellite visibility count to nine in a 12-hour period.

Zecharia Sitchin's Books

Information is provided on Zecharia Sitchin's books. "The 12th Planet" is in its fourth paperback printing from AVON Books. The hardcover edition of "The Stairway to Heaven" has sold out its first printing, with a second printing underway by St. Martin's Press.

Upcoming Events and Announcements

Vienna World Conference Rescheduled

The Ancient Astronaut Society's World Conference in Vienna, Austria, has been rescheduled to November 1982 due to exorbitant summer season prices. The conference will be held at the Hilton Hotel from November 11-14, 1982. A group flight from Chicago is planned to depart on November 7, 1982, arriving in Vienna on November 8. This provides three full days for sightseeing before the conference begins.

Post-Conference Member Expedition

Following the Vienna conference, a two-week expedition will depart Vienna on November 14, 1982, for Amman, Jordan. The expedition includes a visit to Petra, the "rose-red city," and Jerusalem. From there, the group will travel to Nairobi, Kenya, for five days of animal watching and safari before returning to Chicago on November 28, 1982.

Erich von Daniken's Adventures

Erich von Daniken has reported being flown by a Colombian Air Force helicopter into the South American jungles to explore the ruins of a lost city. His account of this adventure will be featured in his next book.

New Books in German

Two new books are announced: "Die Kosmischen Eingeweihten" by Ertelt, Fiebag, Fiebag, and Sachmann, and "Die Epoche der 'Engel'" by Hans-Werner Sachmann. Both are available from Hans-Werner Sachmann in West Germany.

Fulda Meeting

A full day of lectures and slide presentations in German will be held in Fulda, Germany, on October 9-10, 1981. Interested individuals should contact AAS in Switzerland.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of ancient mysteries and the potential for advanced ancient civilizations, particularly in relation to extraterrestrial influence, aligning with the core tenets of the Ancient Astronaut Society. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry into unexplained archaeological and historical phenomena, seeking alternative explanations beyond conventional scientific or historical paradigms. The magazine promotes a worldview where ancient myths and artifacts may hold clues to forgotten technologies and visitors from other worlds, encouraging members to "Come Search With Us!" The publication also serves as a platform for announcing society events, expeditions, and the works of prominent figures in the ancient astronaut field, fostering a community of like-minded researchers.