ANCIENT SKIES

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 11, Number 5
Date: November-December, 1984
Publisher: Ancient Astronaut Society
Country: USA
Cover Headline: CHAVIN DE HUANTAR - JERUSALEM OF THE ANDES?

Article: CHAVIN DE HUANTAR - JERUSALEM OF THE ANDES?

Introduction and Personal Journey

Erich von Daniken recounts an encounter in April 1980 with two young missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who gifted him a German version of the Book of Mormon. This encounter sparked his interest in the possibility of a connection between biblical narratives and ancient South American sites. Specifically, he was intrigued by the question of whether a temple described in the Book of Mormon, built by Nephi, might exist in South America, and if it bore resemblance to Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem or Ezekiel's vision of a temple on a high mountain.

Von Daniken's search was motivated by the idea of a 'flying god' who appeared in both Nephi's and Ezekiel's accounts. He began by examining numerous archaeological books, looking for a temple that matched essential details. The ruins of Chavin de Huantar in northern Peru repeatedly caught his attention. In 1981, he embarked on a journey to visit the site. His trip involved driving a Lada Niva from Lima northward on the Panamerican Highway, then inland through challenging terrain, including steep, winding roads and high mountain passes.

During his journey, he met three Israelis—Ruth, Uri, and Isaac—who were traveling the world and decided to join him in visiting Chavin de Huantar. Uri recognized von Daniken's name and books, expressing uncertainty about whether his ideas were rational or crazy.

The Site of Chavin de Huantar

Chavin de Huantar is described as a significant archaeological site located in Peru. The ruins are situated near the village of Machac. The site's main structure is called "El Castillo," which is a rectangular building measuring 72.90 m long and 70 m wide, constructed with large granite blocks. The lower sections are well-preserved, while the upper walls show signs of weathering and damage from time and conflict, similar to the Jerusalem temple.

The main portal of El Castillo faces east, aligning with the sunrise and the Jerusalem temple. The complex features columns topped by a nine-meter-long monolith, flanked by square and rectangular granite slabs. The squat columns and crowning monolith are decorated with intricate, incomprehensible patterns. The original structure, when built, is described as appearing like a single, seamless block of stone.

Below the main structure, a square forecourt leads to further sunken squares. The entire site covers approximately 13 hectares. Four flights of steps lead from the sunken square to the four cardinal points with accuracy. The temple complex measures 228 m from the western wall to the south-east corner, with the excavated section being about 175 m wide. The layout is aligned on the four cardinal points, with steps, doors, and the main portal facing east, mirroring the Jerusalem temple.

Architectural and Symbolic Similarities

Von Daniken draws numerous parallels between Chavin de Huantar and Solomon's Temple, as well as biblical traditions. He notes that the number seven is considered sacred at Chavin, just as it is in the Bible (seven-day week, seven celestial bodies, seven days of creation, seven seals, seven wise men, seven wonders of the world). He also points out that Chavin de Huantar was a sanctuary, religious center, and place of pilgrimage, akin to Solomon's Temple. Both sites feature ventilation systems, artificial lighting in inner rooms (like the Holy of Holies), and are built over underground galleries and water conduits.

He suggests that the builders of Chavin de Huantar worshipped a 'flying god,' similar to the Israelites. The orientation of the temple complex to the four cardinal points is also highlighted as a shared characteristic.

Artifacts and Interpretations

The article discusses several key artifacts found at Chavin de Huantar. The "El Lanzon" is a giant stele, over 4 meters high, found in a dark passage. The "Tello Obelisk," found by Julio C Tello, is described as having a 'sign language' that remains largely uninterpreted by Peruvian archaeologists, who often resort to familiar cult explanations like the jaguar or bird of prey cults.

The "Raimondi Stele," discovered by Antonio Raimondi, is a 1.75 m high diorite stele with complex designs. Interpretations vary widely, from a jaguar man to a feline monster, or even a religious leader. Von Daniken questions whether the scepter depicted has a technical look, suggesting it might represent a diagram of a future technology, like a car engine with fuel injectors and feed pipes. He posits that the artists may not have fully understood what they were depicting, possibly 'dictated' to by an external source or trying to reproduce their experiences with 'winged gods' or 'flying machines.'

Dating and External Influence

Scholars have debated the dating of the Chavin culture. Earlier research suggested dates between 1000 and 700 BC, but more recent estimates place it between 800 and 500 BC, or even 1000 to 600 BC. Von Daniken notes that dating methods can have a latitude of 200 years.

He references the Book of Mormon's account of Nephi building a temple in South America around 590 BC, 30 years after arriving. This timeline aligns with the estimated dates for Chavin de Huantar. Von Daniken speculates that the plans for Solomon's Temple might have been smuggled out of Jerusalem before its destruction by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC, and used to build a new temple as a memorial.

Von Daniken emphasizes that the Chavin culture is a remarkable phenomenon that cannot be easily explained within existing chronological frameworks. He quotes scholars who suggest that external impulses were necessary to explain its existence and rapid spread, likening its appearance to an 'explosion' felt throughout Peru. He argues that the technical know-how required for such construction must have been imported, as it was not believed to exist on the American continent at that time. He suggests that first-class stonemasons and experienced architects were involved.

Artistic Style and 'Winged Gods'

The art at Chavin de Huantar is characterized by its intricate, uniform style, which leads visitors to suspect that the artists were not simply using their own imagination. Von Daniken links the 'winged jaguars' and 'condors' depicted to the 'winged gods' found in Mesopotamian art, seen on palace portals, tombs, and cylinder seals. He suggests these symbols, along with 'winged fire-breathing horses,' represent the 'explosive energy of an alien phenomenon' or the 'unknown something that came from heaven.' The artists' attempts to reproduce these beings are seen as attempts to depict what they had experienced, rather than purely surreal art.

Conclusion

Von Daniken concludes that Chavin de Huantar presents a puzzle for academics, as its existence lacks a clear model and chronological development. He finds too many similarities between Chavin de Huantar and the Solomonic temple in Jerusalem to dismiss them as mere coincidence, especially given that his excursion was initially intended to investigate Ezekiel's temple. He suggests that the builders of Chavin worshipped a flying god, mirroring the beliefs of the Israelites, and that the site may indeed be Nephi's temple, a copy of Solomon's temple built with advanced knowledge.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of ANCIENT SKIES, as exemplified by the lead article, revolve around the ancient astronaut theory. The magazine consistently explores the idea that advanced extraterrestrial beings influenced ancient human civilizations, particularly in the construction of monumental architecture and the development of religious and cultural practices. The editorial stance appears to be one of questioning conventional archaeological and historical explanations, proposing alternative theories that involve ancient alien intervention. The magazine promotes the idea that ancient myths and artifacts hold clues to a forgotten history of human contact with advanced beings from other worlds, encouraging readers to 'Come Search With Us!'.