ANCIENT SKIES

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 11, Number 6
Date: January-February, 1985
Publisher: ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY
Country: USA
Price: $2.50

This issue of ANCIENT SKIES features a lead article interpreting the ancient Mexican city of Teotihuacan through the lens of ancient astronaut theory, alongside reports on archaeological discoveries in Peru and announcements of upcoming member expeditions.

Teotihuacan - An Interpretation

This article, authored by Dr. Stuart W. Greenwood and Rose Mary Bhussry, presents a novel interpretation of the major structures at Teotihuacan. The city, located north of Mexico City, was once the largest in the Pre-Columbian New World, flourishing hundreds of years before the Spanish conquest. The authors focus on the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, along with the Avenue of the Dead. They propose that the names given by the Aztecs, and the relative spacing of these structures, are symbolic of celestial bodies and space flight. Specifically, they suggest the Pyramid of the Sun represents the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon represents Venus (linked to Quetzalcoatl's association with Venus), and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl represents Earth. The ratio of distances between these structures (0.69) is compared to the orbital radii ratio of Venus to Earth (approximately 0.72). The authors acknowledge a slight discrepancy but suggest it may be within the margin of error for ancient knowledge.

The article further explores the pecked cross petroglyphs found at Teotihuacan. These carvings, often exhibiting a 10-1-4-1 pattern of peck marks, are interpreted as representing orbits. The inner circle's radius ratio (11/16 or 0.69) is linked to the city's layout ratio, further supporting the astronomical interpretation. The authors posit that the planners and builders may not have known the exact orbital ratios but understood the general relationships.

The Avenue of the Dead is interpreted as symbolizing the transfer path for space flights between Venus and Earth, a concept supported by the trajectory of the Pioneer Venus Orbiter shown in Figure 3. The authors suggest that the straightness of the Avenue might be a symbolic simplification of complex orbital paths.

References are provided for the archaeological and astronomical information cited, including works by René Millon, Karl E. Meyer, Anthony F. Aveni, and NASA publications.

The Lost Cities of Peru

Authored by Gene M. Phillips, Founder of the Society, this section discusses the recent announcement of the discovery of a "lost" city in northern Peru, named Gran Pajaten, by the University of Colorado's archaeology department. The site, located east of Trujillo, is described as rivaling Machu Picchu. The article notes that Dr. Alan Stormo, a plastic surgeon, was instrumental in organizing an expedition to find the city after hearing about it from a guide in 1983. Tom Lennon, a University of Colorado archaeologist, is quoted on the significance of the find.

However, the article critically examines the claim of a "lost" by pointing out that the explorer Donald Eugene Savoy had previously written about and publicized Gran Pajaten, and a CBS documentary had been filmed there. It suggests that information about the site could have been found in guidebooks, such as Reparaz' Tourist Guide to Peru, and archaeological manuals like Dr. Federico Kauffmann Doig's Manual de Arqueologia Peruana.

The piece also touches upon other significant Peruvian sites, including Machu Picchu (discovered by Hiram Bingham) and Winay Waina (excavated by Dr. Julio C Tello), emphasizing that many "lost" cities are known to local inhabitants and have been explored by Peruvian archaeologists.

Member Expedition to Switzerland, Turkey & Greece

This section details an extensive upcoming member expedition scheduled for September and October 1985. The journey includes:

• Switzerland: Arrival in Zurich, a relaxing afternoon, and attendance at the 12th Anniversary World Conference of the Ancient Astronaut Society, featuring speakers like Erich von Daniken.
• Turkey: Travel to Istanbul (visiting Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque), Ankara, and Cappadocia (exploring underground cities and Hittite ruins). The itinerary includes visits to the Valley of Goreme and Nemrud Dagh.
• Greece: Flights to Athens (visiting the Acropolis, Parthenon, Theatre of Dionysus), followed by a tour of the Peloponnese and Central Greece, including ancient Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Tiryns, Argos, Sparta, and Mistras. The expedition also visits Olympia, Delphi, and Patras.
• Island Cruise: A four-day cruise on the Epirotiki Lines ship Oceanos, visiting Greek islands such as Mykonos, Santorini (Thera), Crete (visiting Knossos), Rhodes, and Patmos, with a final stop in Kusadasi, Turkey, to visit Ephesus.

Participants can join the entire expedition or select segments. Details on itinerary and prices are available from the Society headquarters.

Other Announcements and Features

• W. RAYMOND DRAKE: Announced as a new Member of L'Académie Européenne des Sciences, des Arts et des Lettres. His books on ancient astronauts are mentioned, with a new edition of "Titans in Antiquity" forthcoming.
• Suggested Reading: A list of recommended books for those interested in Turkey and Greece, including works by Erich von Daniken, Paul MacKendrick, and C.W. Ceram.
• Publication Information: ANCIENT SKIES is published bi-monthly by the Ancient Astronaut Society, with contact information and a description of the Society's mission.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the interpretation of ancient sites and artifacts through the lens of extraterrestrial influence (ancient astronaut theory), the exploration and rediscovery of ancient civilizations, and the promotion of international travel and education related to these topics. The editorial stance clearly supports the ancient astronaut hypothesis, presenting speculative interpretations of archaeological evidence as plausible explanations for ancient mysteries. The Society actively engages its members through conferences and expeditions, fostering a community interested in these alternative historical perspectives.