Ancient Mysteries: Discover the latest intriguiging, Scientifically sound explanations to Age-old puzzles

by Nick Thorpe and Peter James

Book Overview

For centuries, philosophers, scientists, and charlatans have attempted to decipher the baffling mysteries of our past, from Stonehenge to the lost continent of Atlantis. Today, however, DNA testing, radiocarbon dating, and other cutting-edge investigative tools, together with a healthy dose of common sense, are guiding us closer to the truth. Now historian Peter James and archaeologist Nick Thorpe tackle these age-old conundrums, presenting the latest...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345434889
• ISBN13: 9780345434883
• Release Date: October 2001
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Length: 672 Pages
• Weight: 1.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 7.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Objective, even handed and well researched

This is a compendium survey of the various explanations for many an historic mystery. The writers, a historian and an archaeologist, avoid favoring either the academic establishment's party line or the antithetical views of sensationalist writers. Instead, they give a rather thorough, to the extent that information is available, analysis of the various points of view about each topic, with their critique of the merits of each. It is an extraordinary book, the best of its kind. For anyone who wants to delve deeper into its various subjects, it is a good starting point.I almost refrained from buying this book owing to a negative review found here. To my satisfaction, I found those criticisms to be wholly unjustified.

Perfect gift for the history or trivia buff!

I bought this book for my husband and he couldn't put it down until he read it from cover to cover. He kept marking sections and making me read them. He liked the way the authors "walked" the reader through all of the theories suggested about historical events, then, using facts, debunked most and suggested their own theory.The book is broken into appropriate sections, then each section contains "short stories" about pertinent events. This is the perfect book for reading that is frequently interrupted, such as the beach, but you'll probably find that you won't be able to put it down.

Balanced View of Ancient Controversies

This book accurately compiles the various arguments for and against the ancient mysteries that it covers. The Orion controversy is well handled (for example) as it puts forth a good summary of the theory that the ancient Egyptians aligned the pyramids at Giza with Orion's belt. The authors cover the arguments against the theory and point out that no other pyramid structure aligns with the rest of the stars in the Orion pattern. Then the authors point out that the ancient Egyptians often used the belt alone to designate the constellation Orion. The writers let us know that the Orion theory goes too far in its claims that many pyramids align with the stars of various constellations, but may be right on point with the necessity to look to the stars to explain a lot of what the ancient Egyptians were doing. Current scolars of ancient Egypt simply do not use astronomy to try and understand how the dwellers along the Nile in 3000 BC may have been thinking.Thus, according to Ancient Mysteries, both sides have good points to make.The entire book is filled with the pro and cons of those proposing the theories and those holding to the traditional ways of viewing history. It is the balance the authors bring to the discussion that makes the book so noteworthy. Direct quotes from key passages of the various books supporting or opposing the theories help bring home the essence of each point of view.I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the theories of the past being proposed by Handcock and others as a fair view of the proposed theories (summarized of course) and their opponents attempts (often successful) to undermine them.

Excellent source of scientific and factual information

I decided to read this book as a way to understand what "mainstream" scientists say about Graham Hancock's theories about ancient civilizations, and how these scientists would counter his arguments. This book is excellent for that because it addresses some of his ideas and writings point-blank.As a whole, this book is truly fascinating. In addition to shedding a sober light on the Egyptian pyramids, Mayan culture, and other Hancock favorites, the book addresses quite a few other intriguing mysteries like "Who was the Minotaur", "Who was King Arthur", "What was the Star of Bethlehem" and Stonehenge.Each subject is approached in a rational, scientific manner, and is discussed using facts and commentary from respected sources. This book very much reflects what today's respected academic field believes. The breadth of the book is truly amazing when you consider that each subject is discussed in adequate detail to prove or disprove certain hypotheses. And finally, it is well written and easy to follow.So for its research and ambition in addressing so many fascinating subjects, the book is a gem. For people interested in ancient history, this book will be invaluable. As far as Hancock debunkery goes, in some areas they completely debunk him, in other areas the hypotheses and evidence they present is good and insightful, but not necessarily any more persuasive or powerful than what Hancock presents. In some areas, I still believe Hancock has it right. In the end, hypotheses are just that, and it comes down to your own beliefs.At any rate, this book is fascinating and I couldn't put it down.

Dispels many ignorant beliefs about the ancient world

A first rate, well-researched tome that New Agers and believers in ancient astronauts should avoid, unless they want their precious theories dispelled, vanquished by hard evidence and solid research. Recommended to anyone who enjoys history and/or archaeology; not for those who own power crystals and regularly commune with Atlantean spirits. Excellent work.