Ancient Skies - Vol 09 No 4 - 1982-83

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: VOLUME 9, NUMBER 4
Date: SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 1982
Publisher: ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY
Country: USA
Price: $3.00

This issue of Ancient Skies, the official logbook of the Ancient Astronaut Society, delves into the intriguing possibility of advanced ancient technologies, particularly focusing on the use of electricity in antiquity.

Light for the Pharaoh

This main article, by Reinhard Habeck and Peter Krassa, translated from German by Prof. Hans Schindler Bellamy, explores the hypothesis that ancient civilizations, specifically the Egyptians and Parthians, possessed knowledge of electricity. The authors cite the discovery of a potential galvanic cell by archaeologist Wilhelm Koenig at a Parthian site, which, when tested, produced a half-volt output. This suggests that the Parthians, known for their 'rough-riding' nature, might have had a sophisticated technology previously unattributed to them.

The article then shifts focus to ancient Egypt, questioning the conventional explanation of temple illumination using torches, candles, or oil lamps. The authors point out the complete absence of soot in the subterranean crypts and passage-ways of temples and pyramids, which would be expected if such smoky light sources were used extensively. This leads them to investigate alternative lighting methods.

Special attention is given to the reliefs found in the Hathor Temple at Dendera, located about 40 miles north of Luxor. Within the temple's subterranean substructure, the authors describe reliefs depicting human figures handling elongated, bladder-like cylindrical objects resembling outsize electrical bulbs. These objects are shown connected to a 'cable' originating from a rectangular 'box' that could represent a generator or battery. The figure depicted on this box is identified as Shu, the god of the air, leading to speculation about aerial ionization.

Another significant element discussed is the 'Djed-Pillar,' a symbol often depicted in conjunction with these potential electrical devices. While Egyptologists offer various interpretations, the authors suggest its meaning of 'stability' and 'power' connects with its use as a 'carrier of energy,' noting its resemblance to modern high-tension current insulators.

The article also highlights the figure of Thot, the god of science, who is depicted holding a pair of knives. This is interpreted as a warning about the potential dangers of electricity. The authors dismiss conventional explanations for these reliefs, such as 'serpent stones' or sun-barks, finding them inadequate.

They propose that these depictions are not symbolic but rather illustrate technical processes, suggesting that the ancient Egyptians had a system for communicating specialized knowledge, possibly in a coded form, which modern Egyptologists have not yet been able to decipher.

Experts, including Austrian Egyptologist Prof. Helmuth Satzinger, acknowledge the lack of references to sooty traces and the possibility of ancient smokeless torches, but admit that no one has yet attempted to reproduce them. The authors express frustration that these pictorial documents have not been approached with modern technical and physical perspectives.

British scientist Dr. John Harris and electrical engineer Walter Garn are mentioned as individuals who have studied these reliefs and believe they represent exact technical processes. Garn even constructed a model based on the manuscript for the authors' book, 'Light for the Pharaoh.'

The article concludes by suggesting that the originals of these depicted objects might still exist hidden away or may have been destroyed due to invasions. The authors advocate for a mixed body of scientists, not just Egyptologists, to undertake a purposeful search for such ancient technical apparatus.

Other Sections and Society News

Opening Address at the Eighth World Conference of the Ancient Astronaut Society - Vienna, Austria: Gene M. Phillips, Founder of the Society, discusses the organization's mission since 1973 to find evidence of highly-developed technological civilizations and extraterrestrial visitors on Earth, emphasizing the accumulated evidence that suggests such civilizations flourished and achieved great heights of culture.

More on Atlantis: A letter from Niranjan S. Ghate explores the connection between the Sanskrit epics Mahabharata and Ramayana and the concept of Atlantis. He suggests that the Sanskrit language, known as 'Devavani' or 'language of the gods,' might have originated with the Atlanteans, who are also believed to have come from space.

More on the Cuenca Script: A letter from O. L. Hope comments on an article about the Cuenca script, referencing Dr. Barry Fell's interpretation. Hope shares an anecdote about the misinterpretation of an Indian mound inscription, which was later correctly deciphered by Hebrew scholars.

Society Marks Ninth Anniversary: The article notes that September 14, 1982, marked the Ninth Anniversary of the Ancient Astronaut Society. It highlights the society's accomplishments, including the publication of its logbook (Ancient Skies) for 52 consecutive issues, a German language edition, numerous field expeditions, world conferences, and the distribution of millions of copies of books by ancient astronaut authors. The society boasts members in 49 US states and many countries worldwide. They invite everyone to their Tenth Anniversary celebration in Chicago on August 6-7, 1983.

New Books: Information is provided on upcoming books by Erich von Däniken: 'Pathways to the Gods' (US hardcover) and 'Die Strategie Der Goetter' (German edition).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the exploration of unconventional historical interpretations, particularly the presence of advanced technology and extraterrestrial influence in ancient civilizations. The magazine strongly advocates for a re-examination of ancient artifacts and texts, challenging mainstream archaeological and historical perspectives. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry and a belief that much of ancient history may be misunderstood, with a focus on uncovering evidence that supports the ancient astronaut hypothesis. The society actively promotes research and discussion through its publications, conferences, and expeditions.