ANCIENT SKIES

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue Date: March-April, 1993
Volume: 20, Number 1
Publisher: Ancient Astronaut Society
Content Focus: This issue of Ancient Skies, the official logbook of the Ancient Astronaut Society, focuses on archaeological explorations in Peru, particularly the search for the elusive 'Great Wall of Peru' and an in-depth examination of the mysterious Chanquillo site. It also includes a brief segment on space technology and upcoming UFO conferences.

The Search for the 'Great Wall of Peru'

The article, authored by Gene M. Phillips, the Society's Founder, details a frustrating expedition to locate the 'Great Wall of Peru.' Despite research indicating its location in the River Santa area, the author's group encountered difficulties due to an unfamiliar guide and the sheer scale of the terrain. They visited Chan-Chan, the vast adobe capital of the Chimor Empire near Trujillo, and the Huaca del Sol, a significant Mochica construction. However, the 'Great Wall' itself remained elusive, with local attempts to guide them leading to dead ends or impassable roads for their tour bus. A chance encounter with an elderly local offered a potential route via Jeep, but time constraints and fatigue led the group to abandon the search.

Exploring Chanquillo

The expedition then turned its attention to Chanquillo, a site not clearly marked on maps and mentioned in few sources. Located in a dry river valley, Chanquillo is described as a fortress-like structure, possibly from the Formative Period (pre-Mochica, before 4th Century AD). The site is characterized by its unusual configuration of concentric stone walls, with an inner oval structure containing distinct sections. The author notes the complete abandonment of the site with no evidence of recent habitation or even typical tourist litter, suggesting it is rarely visited. The masonry walls have deteriorated uniformly, with stones fallen to create linear piles on both sides, leading to an estimation of the original wall height.

Phillips describes the unique protected entryways, designed to force visitors to turn 90 degrees upon entering, and the panoramic view from the highest point. He speculates on the purpose of Chanquillo, suggesting it might have been a defensive structure. The article poses a profound question about the site's design: could its configuration be a deliberate message or sign for extraterrestrial visitors?

Other Content

Space Toilet

A brief news item highlights the US$23 million spent by NASA on a space toilet for the shuttle Endeavor, contrasting it with Cosmonaut Georgy M. Grechko's simpler method of waste disposal during his space missions.

Conferences

The issue lists several upcoming UFO conferences for 1993, including the Fifth Annual Ozark UFO Conference, the MUFON International UFO Symposium, and John White's The UFO Experience Conference.

Ancient Astronaut Society Information

Details are provided about the 20th Anniversary World Conference in Las Vegas and the Ancient Astronaut Society's mission as a tax-exempt, not-for-profit corporation dedicated to scientific, literary, and educational purposes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of ancient mysteries, particularly those related to advanced ancient civilizations and potential extraterrestrial influence, as evidenced by the focus on Peruvian archaeological sites like Chanquillo. The editorial stance, as represented by the Ancient Astronaut Society, is one of inquiry into these possibilities, encouraging readers to consider unconventional explanations for ancient structures and phenomena. The publication also serves as a platform for announcing society events and related conferences, fostering a community interested in ancient astronaut theories.