ANCIENT SKIES

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 17, Number 2
Date: May-June, 1990
Publisher: ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY
Country: USA
Cover Headline: MYSTERIES OF ANCIENT EGYPT

This issue of Ancient Skies, the official logbook of the Ancient Astronaut Society, features an article by Erich von Daniken titled "MYSTERIES OF ANCIENT EGYPT." The magazine explores unconventional interpretations of historical and religious events, suggesting extraterrestrial influence on human civilization.

Mysteries of Ancient Egypt by Erich von Daniken

Erich von Daniken begins by questioning the certainty surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, noting the lack of direct evidence despite widespread belief. He contrasts this with the numerous ancient structures and sculptures that depict religious figures, arguing that artists and architects were influenced by tradition rather than direct observation. Von Daniken posits that Jesus himself left no written records or personal artifacts.

He then introduces the concept of ancient astronauts, humanoid beings with advanced technology who visited Earth in the remote past. He describes how these beings might have established space colonies, developed sophisticated technology, and eventually traveled through the universe. According to von Daniken, these extraterrestrials interacted with primitive human civilizations, imparting knowledge and influencing their development. He draws parallels between the unproven narratives of Jesus's life and the unproven accounts of alien visitation, both lacking direct physical proof but deeply ingrained in human culture.

Von Daniken argues that ancient traditions worldwide, from Chinese mythology to Central American legends of Quetzalcoatl, describe 'heavenly teachers' or 'gods' descending from the sky. He suggests that ancient temples and sculptures were built in honor of these beings.

The Great Pyramid of Giza

The article focuses on the Great Pyramid of Giza, questioning the traditional attribution to Pharaoh Cheops. Von Daniken points out the absence of any inscriptions or records directly linking Cheops to its construction, despite Egyptologists' claims. He cites the Greek historian Herodotus, who mentioned Cheops building the pyramid in 20 years with 100,000 slaves, but notes that other ancient historians did not corroborate this name. Von Daniken highlights that archaeologists readily accept Herodotus's account of Cheops but dismiss his other claims, such as the gods teaching humanity mathematics and astronomy.

He presents the theory from Arab historians, including Al Masudi and Al Makrizi, that the Great Pyramid was built by King Saurid (also known as Idris or Enoch) 300 years before the great flood. Saurid, warned of an impending flood, constructed the pyramid to preserve scientific knowledge, including books about gods, stars, mathematics, astronomy, and advanced objects.

Von Daniken also discusses the findings of a Japanese research team using radar technology, which detected additional chambers, a subterranean tunnel between the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid, and a labyrinth of corridors within the pyramid, including a confirmed second sunship beneath the rock.

The Tomb of Sechemhet

The article details the discovery of Pharaoh Sechemhet's tomb in Sakkara by archaeologist Zecharia Goneim in 1954. The tomb contained a sealed alabaster sarcophagus with traces of flowers, suggesting a burial. However, upon opening, the sarcophagus was found to be empty. This mystery deepened when the tomb was later dated by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology to be 600 years older than Sechemhet's reign. Von Daniken speculates that the sarcophagus may have originally held a god, and its emptiness was a result of extraterrestrial activity. The article notes the tragic suicides of both Goneim and his assistant, suggesting a connection to the tomb's mystery.

Von Daniken references the Roman historian Diodor of Sicily, who wrote about ancient gods descending from heaven and teaching humanity. Diodor mentioned that priests were forbidden to speak about subterranean tombs, implying a secret surrounding them. Von Daniken suggests that a god may have been placed in the Sechemhet sarcophagus, and when the extraterrestrials departed, they took the body with them, leaving the sarcophagus empty. Pharaoh Sechemhet, finding it empty, sealed it himself, possibly out of fear or respect for the tradition of a divine occupant.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are ancient mysteries, the potential influence of extraterrestrial visitors on human history and religion, and the questioning of conventional archaeological and historical interpretations. The editorial stance, as represented by the publication of Erich von Daniken's theories, is one that promotes alternative explanations for ancient wonders and beliefs, challenging established narratives and encouraging readers to 'Come Search With Us!' The magazine promotes the idea that ancient myths and legends may hold factual accounts of past interactions with advanced beings from other worlds.

Notes:
(1) The article references Erich von Daniken's earlier work on genetic engineering and notes that the scientific community has since accepted this field.
(2) References are made to previous issues of Ancient Skies (8:2 and 10:3).