Ancient Skies - Vol 25 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 25, Number 1
Date: March-April, 1998
Publisher: Ancient Astronaut Society
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Ancient Skies, the official logbook of the Ancient Astronaut Society, explores various enigmas from ancient history and mythology through the lens of the ancient astronaut theory. The articles delve into the design of Noah's Ark, the mysterious Nazca desert figures, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), alongside discussions on the potential reptilian nature of ancient deities.

The Unusual Design of Noah's Ark

By Rene A. Boulay, the article posits that the biblical description of Noah's Ark might be misinterpreted. Based on previous suggestions of ancient astronaut involvement in ancient literature, Boulay investigates the Ark's design. He notes that the Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh, which predates the Old Testament account, describes a similar flood story. The Old Testament Ark is described as a rectangular 'box' (teba), 300 cubits long, 50 wide, and 30 high (approximately 450x75x45 feet). Boulay argues this design would be unstable in stormy seas, suggesting it would have tossed and pitched uncontrollably. He proposes that the Hebrews, being a land-locked people, may have used the term 'box' for a more understandable container, implying manipulation of the legend. The Ark had three stories and unspecified compartments, with a side door and a light opening. The wood used, 'gofer wood,' is unidentified and unique to the Scriptures, possibly referring to a waterproofed material.

The Sumerian Ark, known as magurgur or 'very great ship,' is described in the Epic of Gilgamesh. The hero is Utnapishtim. Tablet XI describes a seven-storied ship divided into nine sections, with a door and window. Current translations suggest an exact cube, 120 cubits on each side (200 feet), based on a 20-inch Akkadian cubit. Boulay finds this cube design equally impractical and unstable. He notes that scholars have dismissed suggestions of a circular design for the Sumerian ark. However, he points out an ambiguity in the text: if the 120 cubits refer to the diameter, the ship would be 400 feet in diameter and 200 feet thick, possibly circular. This craft had six decks divided into nine vertical, pie-shaped compartments. Boulay suggests a rounded or oval/saucer shape, like a modern submersible, would be more stable. The Sumerian god Shamash, identified with the Sumerian Chief Astronaut by Zecharia Sitchin, played a role in the design. The Hebrew name for Baalbek, 'Beth-Shemesh,' means 'House of Shamash.' The pseudepigraphic book 'The Ethiopian Apocalypse of Enoch' states the ark was designed by a deity and built by 'angels.' The illustration depicts a circular ark with a row of windows.

Flying Serpents and Dragons

This section features excerpts from Rene A. Boulay's book, exploring the origins of humanity and the nature of ancient gods. Boulay discusses the Adam and Eve story, citing the Haggadah and a Christian Gnostic tract. These sources suggest Adam and Eve were not originally human mammals but had a 'horny skin' or 'cloud of glory,' implying a reptilian form. Their nakedness after eating the forbidden fruit was a loss of this covering, leading to shame. Boulay posits that ancient gods were not human but an alien reptilian form, explaining their desire for privacy and prohibition against being seen. He references the Hebrew God Yahweh's need for privacy during the Exodus and the injunction against graven images. This secrecy, he suggests, might be due to a repulsive appearance that would upset mankind.

Berossus, a Babylonian priest, is cited regarding the Annedoti or 'repulsive ones,' amphibious creatures from the Persian Gulf who taught civilization. This tradition, calling them 'an abomination,' argues for its authenticity, as one would expect glorification if it were invented. The reptilian nature of gods is also evident in Sumerian epics, where gods are called 'U-SHUM-GAL' or 'great fiery flying serpent.' Chinese mythology, particularly the Yih King, describes the goddess Nu Kua as a dragon who formed humans. Early Chinese emperors claimed descent from dragon goddesses. Indian classics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata also detail interactions between early man and serpent-god ancestors. Boulay concludes that the universal presence of dragon-like beings in myths suggests they were serpent-gods who flew in craft with flaming appearances, possibly rocket exhausts.

Whose "Traces" Were Left on the Plain of Nazca?

By Alla Belokon, a radiophysicist, this article examines the Nazca desert figures in Peru. Belokon has researched these drawings for 20 years and finds a harmony between the spider, monkey, and geometric figures. The Nazca desert contains thousands of lines, spirals, geometric areas, and about 30 animal drawings. She argues that interpreting the phenomenon solely by the animal figures is insufficient, as they represent only a small fraction of the total. Ground drawings of a similar style are found along the Pacific coast in South America, suggesting they are not exclusive to the Nazca culture. The rectilinear lines and bands, irrespective of the soil, are remarkable. Dr. Gerald S. Hawkins' estimates suggest over 100,000 man-years would be needed to construct these figures by hand. Belokon notes the lack of human activity traces, except for irregular spots along roads. She proposes that the figures are markings left by an 'unknown Wisdom,' possibly created by a directed energy flow from the air. This energy might have exerted mechanical action on the soil, changing its composition. Belokon raises the question of coded information or symbolic meaning in the figures, such as the four-fingered and five-fingered hands, suggesting a high technological level and purposefulness in their construction, possibly a form of communication with mankind.

A Pre-Columbian Steamroller?

By William W. Jenna, Jr., this piece describes a pottery artifact unearthed in 1959 near the Nazca Plain in Peru. The artifact, dated between 100 and 500 A.D. and attributed to the Vicus culture, was authenticated by museum curators. Its shape strongly resembles a modern steamroller, baffling experts as to how such a design could exist 1500 years before the Industrial Revolution, especially by a culture presumed not to use the wheel. Jenna admits he has no explanation but sees it as another piece of evidence pointing to early extraterrestrial visitation or a lost, technologically advanced civilization, akin to the Atlantis theory.

The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

By Erich von Daniken, this article critiques the scientific approach to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). Von Daniken asserts that extraterrestrial life is abundant and that at least one civilization visited Earth millennia ago. He criticizes SETI scientists for their perceived unwillingness to acknowledge this. He highlights the 'Declaration of Principles Concerning Activities Following the Detection of Extraterrestrial Intelligence,' adopted in 1989 by the International Space Travel Academy and the International Institute of Space Law. This declaration outlines regulations for scientists discovering proof of extraterrestrial life, including rigorous testing, informing other researchers, and awaiting international consultations before public announcement. Von Daniken views these regulations as a form of censorship, preventing scientists from publicizing discoveries even when certain. He questions how this censorship aligns with freedom of information. He argues that the public already knows extraterrestrials exist and that SETI excludes relevant themes and people, such as UFOs and ancient astronaut philosophy, confining itself to an 'elitist ivory tower.' He believes science relies on a broad base of information and that SETI's results are incomplete and amateurish without considering these broader aspects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ancient astronaut theory, suggesting that advanced extraterrestrial civilizations have influenced human history and culture. The magazine promotes the idea that ancient myths and artifacts, such as Noah's Ark and the Nazca lines, hold clues to these interactions. There is a critical stance towards mainstream science, particularly SETI, for its perceived narrow-mindedness and exclusion of unconventional research. The editorial stance clearly favors exploring alternative explanations for ancient phenomena, emphasizing the importance of ancient texts, artifacts, and oral traditions as evidence of extraterrestrial contact and advanced ancient technologies. The possibility of non-human, possibly reptilian, origins for deities is also a significant theme, challenging traditional religious interpretations.