Ancient Skies - Vol 23 No 6 - 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 23, Number 6
Date: January-February, 1997
Publisher: Ancient Astronaut Society
Tagline: "Come Search With Us!"

This issue of Ancient Skies, the official logbook of the Ancient Astronaut Society, explores ancient legends, archaeological discoveries, and potential extraterrestrial influences on human history.

Early Irish Invaders

Dr. John P. Kenny, Head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Bradley University, presents a theory connecting ancient Irish legends to the Ancient Astronaut Hypothesis. He posits that Ireland, due to its relative isolation, may preserve primordial historical accounts. Kenny highlights the contributions of German scholars like Keino Meyer and Ernst Windisch in preserving Irish language and legends. He traces the lineage of early inhabitants, mentioning the Formorians (giants) and the Firbolgs, who are described as possessing advanced knowledge of astronomy and possibly cloud ships, with structures like Newgrange and Dun Aengus attributed to them. The Firbolgs were later supplanted by the Tuatha de Danaan, described as people of the goddess d'Anu, who arrived around 4500 years ago. The Milesians, true Celts, arrived about 2500 years ago, leading to a blending of cultures. Kenny notes similarities between the goddess d'Anu and Zecharia Sitchin's Eanna, suggesting a potential link to ancient astronaut visitors. He points out unique characteristics of Irish heroes, such as Cuchulan's left-handedness and precocious abilities, and the sea-god Manaan MacLir's chariot. The Tuatha de Danaan's ability to control storms and possess advanced weapons is also mentioned. Kenny references the High King of Ireland's concern about invaders around 200 AD and the mystery of the Lia Fail (Stone of Destiny). He concludes by suggesting that these legends contain truths significant to the Ancient Astronaut Hypothesis and plans a more extensive series on the topic.

Unraveling the Mystery Numbers

James A. Miller, a retired Registered Health Physicist, discusses the profound mathematical and astronomical knowledge of ancient civilizations, particularly the Sumerians, and their potential connection to extraterrestrial visitors. He highlights the work of Professor Harold V. Hilprecht of the University of Pennsylvania, who concluded that Babylonian multiplication and division tables were based on the number 12,960,000. Miller argues that this number is significant in understanding the Great Year (precession) of 25,920 years and relates to scientific knowledge for space travel. He explains how the Sumerians used a sexagesimal system (base 60) and numbers like 12 and 60, which are fundamental to Earth's measurements (degrees, minutes, seconds) and potentially to the structure of carbon (Carbon 12 and Carbon 60). Miller suggests that these numbers were incorporated into ancient myths by the 'Pleiadian/Anunnaki space people' to convey their advanced understanding of the universe and Earth.

An Egypt-England Connection

Dr. Stuart W. Greenwood, a retired aerospace engineer, proposes a link between ancient Egyptian and British monuments based on the angles of pyramid faces. He argues that the choice of slope angle for pyramids, such as the Great Pyramid at Giza, is not merely for construction convenience but holds symbolic significance. Greenwood suggests that the angle of just under 52 degrees for the Giza pyramids corresponds to the latitude of prominent ancient British monuments like Stonehenge and Avebury (around 51-52 degrees North). He also notes that Silbury Hill in England, the largest prehistoric man-made mound in Europe, has a slope of 30 degrees, which matches the latitude of the Giza pyramids. Greenwood posits that this reciprocity suggests an intentional linking of symbols between ancient Egypt and Britain, possibly indicating extraterrestrial influence or shared knowledge.

Lifting the Veil That Obscures Prehistory

Dr. Thomas A. Dorman, an orthopaedic surgeon, reports on startling archaeological discoveries published in the journal Nature. An article by Paul G. Bahn details findings at the Jinmium site in Australia, suggesting human occupation as early as 176,000 years ago, significantly predating the previously accepted 60,000-year timeline. These findings are based on thermoluminescence dating of stone hand tools and etched sandstone boulders, a technique capable of dating artifacts much older than radiocarbon or accelerator mass spectrometry. Dorman notes the archaeological community's skepticism but anticipates that technological advancements will support these earlier dates, aligning with theories like Michael A. Cremo's 'Forbidden Archeology'.

Book Review: Gods of the New Millenium

George T. Sassoon reviews Alan F. Alford's book, "Gods of the New Millenium: Scientific Proof of Flesh & Blood Gods." Sassoon highlights Alford's attempt to reconcile ancient mysteries, such as the Sphinx's age and the construction of megalithic structures, with more enlightened views that challenge traditional academic dogmas. Alford proposes a new chronology of prehistory, suggesting an arrival of the gods to Earth 300,000 years ago, which he claims fits known facts and reconciles the Sumerian Kings List with the Old Testament. The review praises Alford's theory of genetic longevity among the gods, explaining human creation myths and the declining lifespans recorded in the Bible. The book also touches upon creation myths and legends from various cultures, emphasizing the importance of not dismissing evidence that doesn't fit conventional theories. The review commends the book's readability, illustrations, and comprehensive bibliography.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Ancient Skies revolve around the Ancient Astronaut Hypothesis, exploring how ancient myths, legends, and monumental structures across different cultures (Irish, Egyptian, British, Sumerian) may point to extraterrestrial visitation and influence. The magazine promotes a revisionist view of history, challenging conventional timelines and interpretations in archaeology and anthropology. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry into these possibilities, encouraging readers to consider alternative explanations for humanity's past and to "Come Search With Us!" The society itself is presented as a non-profit organization dedicated to scientific, literary, and educational purposes related to these investigations.