PaleoSeti Magazine - No 12

Magazine Overview

Title: paleoseti
Issue: 12
Volume: 4th Publication Year
Date: April 2018
Publisher: EISENGRUBER PUBLISHING
Country: Canada
Language: English
ISSN: 2292-8251
Price: $1.50 (suggested donation)

This issue of PaleoSeti Magazine, titled "The Silent Stones of Europe," focuses on ancient megalithic sites and their research. The magazine is published by EisenGruber Publishing and edited by Herbert Eisengruber, with additional editing by Beth and Michaela Eisengruber. The publication aims to research Ancient Astronauts, Lost Civilizations, Ancient Technologies, Cultures, and Adventure.

Letter from the Editor

Herbert Eisengruber, Editor-in-Chief, addresses the readers regarding significant changes in the magazine's publication model. He thanks the dedicated team and contributors who have worked on the magazine, which is a family-run operation relying on volunteer effort. Eisengruber clarifies that PaleoSeti Magazine was never intended as a major money-maker, and the donation-based funding concept proved insufficient, with only about 1000 downloads per issue and minimal donations. Following a period of hiatus, the magazine will now publish individual articles in PDF format as they are completed, keeping them free for readers. The team plans to introduce non-intrusive advertising and possibly a merchandise store. Eisengruber also mentions that the team has been conducting extensive research and visiting exciting locations, promising future surprises.

He announces the launch of a new article-based concept with the first article being "The Silent Stones of Europe." The magazine is also establishing a presence on Twitter under the handle @PaleoSetiM.

Editorial and Copyright Information

The magazine's editorial team includes Herbert Eisengruber as Editor-in-Chief and designer, with Beth and Michaela Eisengruber handling additional editing and proofreading. The website is www.paleoseti.com. Photography and copyright information states that unless otherwise noted, all photos and texts are copyrighted by Herbert Eisengruber. Contact information for the magazine is provided, including a mailing address in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and an email address: [email protected]. The magazine welcomes feedback and contributions for a potential "Letters to the Editor" section in future issues, requesting feedback related to Ancient Astronaut and Lost Civilization theories.

Article: The Silent Stones of Europe

Research amidst a difficult past

This article, authored by Herbert Eisengruber, begins by introducing Stonehenge as a well-known megalithic site in Great Britain. It notes that Europe is rich in megalithic sites dating back to the Stone Ages, with concentrations in England and North-Western France, as well as in the Mediterranean, particularly Malta. While Italy, Greece, and other Mediterranean countries have Stone Age remnants, they are more recognized for their ancient history. The article highlights that lesser-known megalithic structures exist in Central and Eastern Europe, which are the focus of this and subsequent articles.

The article then shifts its focus to Germany, a country with a complex history. It states that megalithic and Stone Age remnants in Germany are plentiful and spectacular. However, the author notes that these sites are less known, largely due to the Nazi dictatorship (1933-1945). During this period, ancient sites were misused for racial agendas. This history continues to influence perceptions, with underground right-wing movements still attempting to co-opt ancient sites for their ideologies, often disguising themselves in "occult" or "druid" movements. Simultaneously, pseudo-religious "New Age" groups conduct rituals at these sites, which are often viewed with skepticism by the generally prosaic German society.

The Extern Stones

The article details the Extern Stones, a natural sandstone rock formation near Detmold in North Rhein-Westphalia, Germany. The site is unusual as it stands in an area otherwise devoid of large rock formations. The area is now protected, with access via a footpath and a nearby parking area, and requires a moderate entrance fee. The author describes the experience of standing before the Extern Stones as being in front of a wall of weathered rock, noting clear evidence of artificial workmanship, though heavily weathered.

Eisengruber argues that the stones are "truly spectacular," contrary to some visitors' opinions. He identifies two main attractions for many visitors: a medieval relief depicting Christ's Descent from the Cross and the opportunity to climb to the top via narrow stairs and a wooden bridge. However, the author believes these are not the full extent of the site's significance.

Historical Interpretation and Controversy

The article delves into the problematic history of interpreting the Extern Stones, noting that the site has been abused for political and ideological reasons. In the 1930s, the Nazis attempted to portray the site as a Germanic "navel of the world." The author asserts that the current interpretation is often influenced by political agendas, and research that deviates from established views is often met with suspicion, with researchers being labeled as "right wing."

According to Wikipedia, archaeological excavations have yielded Upper Paleolithic stone tools dating to around 10,700 BC to 9,600 BC, including microliths and evidence of fire sites, suggesting nomadic use. However, no archaeological evidence has been found for the site's use between the end of the Upper Paleolithic and the Carolingian period (9th century). Artifacts found in excavations from 1934/35 were attributed to the Mesolithic Ahrensburg culture or the medieval period. The absence of Bronze or Iron Age artifacts is noted, with all ceramic and metal items found being younger than the Carolingian period.

This leads to the author's critical questioning of the logic that if only Paleolithic and medieval tools are found, then all stone works must be medieval. He draws a parallel to Rome, suggesting that a similar logic applied to excavating Rome would lead to the conclusion that it was unoccupied between 300 AD and 2017 AD if only later occupation layers were found above ancient ruins.

Eisengruber emphasizes that throughout history, mindsets change, and ancient sites have been altered or destroyed due to religious fanaticism. He notes that many churches are built on ancient sites, some dating back thousands of years. He laments the destruction of ancient sites by religious fanatics today, particularly in the "Islamic State," which leaves a tremendous and irreparable impact.

The author believes that modern scholars forming public opinion on the Extern Stones may be following a political agenda. He challenges the claim of no human activity between ~10000 BC and ~1000 AD, stating it is far-fetched.

Similarities and Observations

Eisengruber shares his personal experience of visiting the Extern Stones, immediately drawing parallels to ancient stone works he encountered in South America, specifically Peru (Photos 7-10). He observes that much of the Extern Stones site appears carved, chiseled, and manipulated, with some marks so weathered they are barely visible. He suggests the masonry is thousands of years old, despite the sandstone being softer than the granite and diorite found at South American sites. The weathering indicates significant age.

He posits that the complex at the Extern Stones must have been much larger and more complex thousands of years ago, citing steps leading nowhere and bridges ending abruptly. The similarities to the ancient stone works of Saqsayhuaman in Peru are remarkable.

The article highlights specific features of the Extern Stones: mysterious rooms and chambers in the lower half of the site. One chamber, dated to 1115 AD, had an altar consecrated. Another room, the "Kuppelgrotte," has a domed ceiling. An eroded relief near an external entrance depicts a standing figure holding a sash and a key, interpreted as St. Peter. On the exterior, a cutout in the rock resembles a human body. The top of the structure features an observation platform with a round "window," known as the "Höhenkammer," speculated to have been used for astronomical observations.

Eisengruber expresses his personal approach to research, stating he is not bound by unwritten laws that prevent comparing ancient cultures officially deemed unconnected. He assures readers that his research is not politically motivated and that his family suffered greatly during the Holocaust, making the spread of right-wing propaganda entirely contrary to his intentions.

The controversy surrounding the site is traced back to the 1930s, when Wilhelm Teudt popularized the Externsteine as the location of a central Saxon shrine, the Irminsul, and an ancient sun observatory, calling it the "Germanic Stonehenge."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the enigmatic nature of ancient megalithic sites, particularly in Europe, and the challenges of interpreting them within historical and political contexts. The magazine emphasizes the importance of ancient technologies and lost civilizations, suggesting that conventional archaeological interpretations may be incomplete or influenced by external factors. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to look beyond mainstream narratives and form their own opinions based on logic and open-mindedness, while acknowledging the complexities and controversies surrounding these ancient sites. The issue also highlights the magazine's transition to a new publication model, prioritizing the free dissemination of research articles.

This issue of PaleoSeti Magazine, identified as issue 15, delves into ancient mysteries and alternative archaeological interpretations. The cover features a striking image of man-made bell-caves in Bet Guvrin, Israel, and poses the question, "Be a part of the mysteries!" The magazine encourages reader feedback and contributions related to archaeology, the Ancient Astronaut Theory, or Lost Civilization Theories. It also highlights the magazine's website, paleoseti.com, which has been online since 1999 and is a long-running resource for Ancient Astronaut Theory research. A significant piece of news is the inclusion of a PaleoSeti Magazine article, "The Secret of Guadelupe," in Erich von Däniken's latest German-language book, "Galaktische Horizonte: Die Suche nach den Ancient Aliens."

The Externsteine and the Nebra Star Disk

The article begins by discussing the Externsteine in Germany, referencing previous publications and excavations. It notes that during the Nazi era, the Externsteine became a focus of nationalistic propaganda, with the "Externsteine Foundation" being established and Heinrich Himmler serving as its president. The SS Ahnenerbe division also studied the site for its connection to Germanic folklore. Post-Nazi Germany's efforts to distance itself from this period are acknowledged, but the author argues against ignoring research simply because it was once associated with problematic figures. The author posits that the Externsteine are part of a worldwide, ancient network of a technologically advanced culture, used for astronomical observations.

This theory is supported by the discovery of the Nebra Sky Disk in 1999, approximately 220km away. This artifact is described as one of the biggest archaeological sensations, proving the existence of a highly developed Bronze Age culture with sophisticated astronomical knowledge. The complexity of the disk and the knowledge it contains have astonished even skeptical researchers, providing evidence for advanced capabilities in Central Europe.

Megalithic Sites in Central Europe

The magazine then broadens its scope to discuss other ancient sites in Central Europe. The "Ringheiligtum Pömmelte," a giant circular structure discovered in 1999 and reconstructed, is mentioned as a "German Stonehenge," though primarily constructed from wood. The article notes the striking similarities between these sites and those in Britain and France. It acknowledges that many ancient megalithic sites have been destroyed or forgotten over centuries due to landscape changes and human activity. While standing stones, stone circles, and dolmens are known, they often receive little attention compared to larger attractions. The concentration of such sites in Eastern Europe and the former USSR is also mentioned, with reports of giant ancient sites in the Russian wilderness appearing online.

Returning to the Externsteine, the author points out that most of the stones have been carved and worked on. Determining the age of these carvings is difficult, but weathering patterns suggest an extremely ancient heritage, dating back thousands of years. Features like steps leading nowhere, evidence of ancient bridges, and barely visible niches suggest a much older and more complex site than currently understood. The precision of some cuts is described as "razor-sharp" and "laser-like."

The author draws parallels between the Externsteine and ancient ruins in Peru and Bolivia, particularly the stone works above Saqusayhuaman/Cusco. The puzzling features at both locations, such as steps leading to nowhere and seemingly purposeless niches, are highlighted. The article speculates that these features might be remnants of ancient structures eroded over time or deliberately altered. The author questions whether ancient "Gods" destroyed or altered these sites, and whether ancient peoples remembered their significance, leading them to worship and modify them over millennia. The enduring appeal of these sites to New Age believers and "Neo-Pagans" is noted, prompting the question of a "collective memory" or "historical instinct" drawing people to them.

Mont Sainte-Odile and the 'Heidenmauer'

The magazine then shifts focus to Mont Sainte-Odile in Eastern France, a monastery located in the Vosgese Mountains. Nearby are megalithic remnants known as the "Heidenmauer" (Heathen's Wall), a massive 10km long construction of solid rock blocks held together by clamps. This construction method is noted as being distinct and found in other ancient high cultures like Egypt and South America, with striking similarities to stones photographed in Puma Punku, Tiwanaku, Bolivia. The origin of the wall has been disputed, with a recent theory suggesting it is medieval and the clamps were made of wood. The discovery of original wooden clamps, which were carbon-dated, is presented with a degree of sarcasm, implying it might be a convenient finding. The author questions why such a complex structure, if medieval, is not better documented in history or folklore, and notes the absence of similar medieval traces elsewhere.

The article speculates whether Mont Sainte-Odile was built on top of an ancient site, similar to how many churches in Central and South America were constructed over ancient Maya, Aztec, and Inca sites.

The Felsenmeer - The Sea of Rocks

Another site discussed is the "Felsenmeer" (Sea of Rocks) in Germany's Odenwald region, characterized by a display of granite rock formations. It is known as the "Roman Stone Quarry" because it is believed that Romans sourced stones for building projects from here. However, a closer examination reveals stone works that are best appreciated when compared to ancient South American sites like Puma Punku and Saqsayhuaman in Cusco, Peru. The author questions the "Roman quarry" theory, noting that the worked rocks are scattered in inaccessible places, making quarrying difficult. The article suggests an alternative explanation: that these are remnants of ancient buildings destroyed by a catastrophic event. Local folklore attributes the Felsenmeer to a battle between two giants throwing rocks. The similarities in stone works found globally are emphasized, prompting a call for official archaeology to open its eyes and compare sites worldwide to solve the mysteries of the past.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The magazine concludes by reiterating the striking similarities in ancient stone works around the world and urges for a comparative approach in archaeology to unravel global mysteries. It suggests that until official archaeology adopts this approach, it is up to amateurs to shed light on ancient pasts and origins. The mysterious stones of Europe are numerous and are seen as pieces of a giant puzzle to be assembled.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around ancient megalithic sites, unexplained archaeological anomalies, and the questioning of conventional historical narratives. The magazine strongly advocates for an open-minded, comparative approach to archaeology, suggesting that connections between seemingly disparate ancient sites across the globe are crucial for understanding human history. The editorial stance appears to favor alternative theories, particularly those related to ancient advanced civilizations and potential extraterrestrial influence (Ancient Astronaut Theory), while critically examining established archaeological dogma. There is a clear skepticism towards explanations that dismiss or downplay evidence due to political or ideological biases, as exemplified by the commentary on the Externsteine's historical association with Nazism. The magazine encourages readers to think critically and draw their own conclusions, positioning itself as a platform for exploring unconventional ideas about humanity's ancient past and origins.