Earthquest News - 2001 - Vol 4 No 1

Magazine Overview

EARTHQUEST NEWS is a newsletter from Andrew Collins, with Volume 4, Number 1 published in Summer 2001. The issue focuses heavily on upcoming events and recent discoveries in the fields of alternative history and forbidden archaeology.

Questing Conference 2001

The main event highlighted is the Questing Conference 2001, scheduled for Saturday, 3rd November, at Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, London. The venue was changed from the Institute of Education due to cost. The conference aims to offer an 'extravaganza of alternative history, forbidden archaeology' at an affordable price, with tickets reduced to £20 in advance or £22 on the day, and a 10 percent discount for four or more tickets. The lineup features prominent figures in the field:

• Sir Laurence Gardner will discuss the origins of sacred bloodlines from the Watchers, Nephilim, and Annunaki through to Christianity.
• Michael Carmichael, a historical botanist, will present a lecture on the origins of alchemy, following his previous talk on the blue water lily in Egyptian kingship.
• Ian Lawton, co-author of 'GIZA: THE TRUTH', will speak on the need for changes in approaching the subject of alternative history.
• Adrian Gilbert, co-author of 'THE ORION MYSTERY', will present the latest developments in his research on archaeo-astronomy at Giza.
• David Elkington, author of 'IN THE NAME OF THE GODS', will lecture on the significance of acoustics and sonic technology in prehistoric cultures, promising a demonstration with a guest musician.
• Lynn Picknett and Clive Prince will discuss their findings concerning Rudolf Hess, Rosslyn Chapel, and the English royal family's involvement.
• Andrew Collins will open the day with a review of recent findings in alternative history and forbidden archaeology.
• Graham Phillips will conclude the day with a light-hearted presentation titled 'Graham Phillips – the Early Days'.

Additionally, Robert Temple, author of 'THE CRYSTAL SUN', is expected to attend and deliver an exclusive lecture titled 'Conversations with Eternity', exploring divination practices among the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Chinese. The conference is described as more esoteric, catering to an audience interested in alternative history and forbidden archaeology, moving beyond standard arguments about Giza or the Hall of Records.

Tickets can be purchased via credit card from Atlantis Bookshop, by post, or on the door. The conference is sponsored by NEXUS magazine. Further information, including details on lectures, hotels, and accommodation, is available on the Eden – Andrew Collins website.

The Group With No Name

Rumours have circulated on the internet about a clandestine monthly meeting of authors in the alternative history and forbidden archaeology fields. The article clarifies that this 'group with no name' is an informal gathering of like-minded individuals to discuss research topics. Subjects debated so far include the age of the Sphinx, pre-Ice Age civilization, and the mystery of Rennes-le-Château. The group plans to establish an on-line forum for discussion, emphasizing the citation of primary reference sources, and this forum will be accessible via the Eden – Andrew Collins website and overseen by key members.

Antiquarian Book List

Andrew Collins and his colleague Richard Ward are reviving their antiquarian book list service, 'ABC Books'. Previously, the costs of printing and dispatching physical lists outweighed sales. However, with the advent of online services, they will now offer books via their website or electronic mailing list. Over 160 books are included in the latest list, with worldwide shipping available.

Tutankhamun – The Exodus Conspiracy

Andrew Collins announces that his planned book on the 'Running Well' has been shelved due to the foot-and-mouth crisis in the UK. Instead, he has a contract to write a book on the mysteries of Tutankhamun, co-authored with Chris Ogilvie Herald. Collins states the book will be controversial and invites anyone with unpublished stories regarding the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb to contact them.

Phoenician Shrine Clue to Atlantic Journeys

Archaeological findings on the Mediterranean island of Gibraltar suggest that Phoenicians ventured into the Atlantic as early as the 8th century BC. A votive cave, dedicated to Melkart (the Phoenician form of Hercules), contained numerous artifacts, including pottery jars, glass bottles, finger rings, and figurine pendants depicting Melkart and Egyptian gods. The cave's visibility from the sea indicates it may have been a stopping point for Phoenician vessels. This aligns with the theory that Phoenicians from Tyre journeyed to places like Britain, the Baltic, West Africa, and the Canary Isles. The article links this to the Greek myth of Hercules' tenth labour involving Gades (modern Cadiz) and the Hesperides.

Prehistoric Carvings Found on the Canary Isles

In addition to Phoenician exploration, news emerges of stone carvings depicting zoomorphic or reptilian heads discovered on Fuerteventura in the Canary Isles. These carvings have been dated to 6000 BC by palaeontologist Francisco Garcia Talavera, a date significantly earlier than the conventionally accepted arrival of the Guanche peoples.

Atlantis – The Lost Empire

The release of Disney's animated film 'Atlantis – The Lost Empire' is accompanied by a documentary commissioned by ABC television network, exploring Plato's Atlantis. The documentary features Andrew Collins and his theories on a Caribbean origin for the Atlantis story. Initially, the documentary considered Antarctica as Atlantis, but after reading Collins's book 'GATEWAY TO ATLANTIS', the focus shifted to the Bahamas and Caribbean, particularly Cuba. The special also features Boston geologist Robert Schoch, ancient mysteries writer David Hatcher Childress, Atlantis researcher Maxine Asher, and Taffi Fisher, daughter of treasure salvor Mel Fisher, who also claimed to have detected underwater archaeological features in the Caribbean potentially related to Atlantis.

Collins recounts his involvement in the documentary, including a filming trip to Paradise Island in the Bahamas. He suggests the location of Atlantis is not far from Cuba, a theory supported by a Canadian research team that detected evidence of 'urban development' off the Cuban coast.

'Lost City' Found Off Cuba

A report details the discovery of a 'sunken city' off the coast of Cuba by a Canadian scientific research team using advanced sonar technology. The team, working aboard the Cuban vessel 'Ulises', detected 'shapes' resembling pyramids, roads, and buildings, suggesting an 'urban development' with symmetrical architecture. The site, located in deep waters on the edge of the Cuban Shelf, is speculated to belong to the pre-classic period of Mesoamerican history and to have been populated by an advanced civilization. Further exploration is planned using remote cameras and a submersible. The findings are discussed in relation to the Cuba-Atlantis theory.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes alternative history and forbidden archaeology, encouraging critical thinking and exploration beyond mainstream narratives. The Questing Conference is presented as a more esoteric and enriching event, distinct from typical offerings. The 'group with no name' exemplifies the collaborative spirit in this field. The articles on Phoenician journeys, prehistoric carvings, and Atlantis highlight ancient mysteries and potential connections to unexplored historical periods and locations. The editorial stance is one of active research, dissemination of new findings, and engagement with theories that challenge conventional understanding, particularly concerning ancient civilizations and their global reach. The newsletter also serves as a platform for promoting Andrew Collins's books and website, encouraging reader engagement through subscriptions and book orders.