Nazca Lines, Ancient Aliens, and Recent Appearance on Earth Ancients

I would like to address some of the emails I have received after my guest appearance on Earth Ancients Radio. Apparently, I ruffled a few feathers when I gave my opinion on both Ancient Aliens, the program, and the Nazca lines.

On the show, I expressed my view that the Nazca lines were not extraterrestrial runways. I stand behind this statement. Here is the thing. We, in the alternative field (yes, I include myself), cannot be hypocrites. We cannot do to each other what the mainstream does to itself.

In the mainstream, if a professor has an alternative point of view on a subject and refuses to march in lockstep with his colleagues, it is not unusual for him/her to get flak. At worse, it can mean a loss of tenure or even total ostracization and humiliation. We look at that and think, “How unfair and impetuous!” Academia should foster free and critical thinking, as well as discourse.

If we want to legitimize our claims, as independent or alternative researchers, we must not fall into the same groupthink tendencies as the mainstream. We cannot espouse open-minded inquiry while keeping a closed mind and a tight grip on our own beliefs. Belief is in the dominion of religion while knowledge is in the dominion of science. We need to be guided with open hearts and minds while keeping a firm grip onto the tools that can bring us closer to truth; tools such as the scientific method, fact-checking, discourse, debate, technology, first-person accounts, and so on.

Personally, I believe in the existence of extraterrestrial life, even intelligent life. I also believe in the possibility of interstellar travel. I am even open to ideas about visitation. I know that there have been things in life I would have never believed but since embarking on my quest to uncover the truth about ancient mysteries, my eyes have been opened to truths that I never thought possible. I have had to rethink everything I thought I knew about human history. That being said, it is unfair to lable someone “pseudo” for supporting alternative theories, such as ancient technology. It is equally unfair to label someone “mainstream,” simply because they do not believe that the Nazca lines are runways for extraterrestrial craft.

Here is my position on the Nazca lines. They are amazing, beautiful, and damned mysterious! However, there are a number of interesting and plausible explanations for them, of which we will likely not prove, as is the case in archaeology since it is still a social science. My personal favorite theory, the one I mentioned on air, was proposed by a researcher named, Henri Stierlin. Stierlin believes that the Nazca people used the line-system as loom. In the Paracas culture textiles were made using a single, unbroken string. However, the natives did not have wheels and looms (so we believe), so they may have organized hundreds of men to hold the string. Their individual positions were defined by the lines. They would walk up and down the lines not only to make giant textiles, but also as offerings to what they believed to be mountain gods. All though Stierlin is an educated man and arguably part of the mainstream, his theory is also seen as fringe. In his case, would it be better for him to deny his theory in order to fit in with the mainstream, or claim that only aliens could have been responsible for the Nazca lines to fit in better with the alternative crowd? I do not want to be part of a system where we only have one of two choices. This is why, even politically, I am an independent, There are more than only two ways!

Incidentally, there is an interesting artifact that supports this loom theory. It is sometimes referred to as the "Great Cloth," an enormous Nazca burial cloth that measured about 100 feet long. It is likely that no ancient loom could have made this, however, it is known that the Nazca culture had walked the Nazca lines in ceremonies and, to this day, work in enormous groups activities to reach a common goal.

Another myth about the Nazca Lines, is that they can only be seen from the sky. This, is not true, as they were discovered before the advent of flight by people on foot. They can still be viewed from the mountains. You do not need to fly over them to see the lines. Now, it is true that some of the lines may be less visible from the mountains, but those less visible designs have also been found in smaller form on ancient women textiles, meaning, the Nazca people had the patterns and could have easily scaled it up to a much larger proportion. This would mean that the Nazca people were pretty advanced and would have had an understanding of math in order to scale these designs. The Nazca people were intelligent. They were not animals incapable of functioning without the aid of paternal extraterrestrial beings. In fact, there are ancient complex aqueducts and well systems in almost perfect condition which are still used to supply the city today. This is indicative of a once great society.

Sometimes, in searching for the unknown, people forget to give credit to the ancients. I believe that we have much wisdom to learn from studying the ancients.

Now, as for the program Ancient Aliens, let me just say that the production company behind the show is filled with amazing people. They were wonderful to work with. However, the show is entertainment. I support Ancient Aliens, in that they spur the imaginations of people and expose them to important questions and ancient mysteries. Nevertheless, it is irresponsible to watch the show and believe that you are being educated with facts. I like to refer to this type of programming as “edutainment.” It is fun, and if it ignites a spark of curiosity in someone which leads them to learn more through further research, then I think it is awesome! To judge the show on its scholarly merits is foolish because it is not a scholarly endeavor. This is not to suggest that the production teams do not do their research, because I know first-hand that they do, but at the end of the day, it is a for-profit television show. It is the responsibility of the viewer to decide what to think. 

My only real problem with the program is that, as the seasons have passed, the content has become more and more outlandish and repetitive. It has come to a point where many people see it as a joke and now associate all forms of alternative inquiry with the general thesis, “If we cannot explain it, then it must have been aliens.” This is dangerous. It is dangerous to all of the hard working independent research whom are not profiting, rather, they are losing money, trying to fund their own research into ancient history. By essentially branding all alternative archeology as just “Ancient Aliens Stuff” (a phrase I have encountered more than once), it is causing a lot of amazing research to be left by the wayside.

Watch, enjoy, and even benefit from Ancient Aliens, just as you would a nice glass of Merlot. Just don’t kid yourself into believing it is water or else you will find yourself drunk and still desperate to quench you thirst.  

To those who wrote me emails about the Nazca lines, thank you, and please send me what you feel is the most convincing evidence that the Nazca lines were U.F.O. runways because I want to believe. I promise to look at the evidence with an open mind and email you back. Maybe you can teach me something. I love it when my mind is blown! It wouldn'e be the first time a listener or reader has contacted me with mind-blowing information that has redirected my research. I believe we are all here to learn from each other. 

To those that tuned in to Earth Ancients Radio today, thank you for listening. I look forward to the next opportunity I get to spend time with all of you, which will be Monday, October 27^th on EPIC Voyages for their Halloween show, where I will be discussing Evil Archaeology. I will be posting more details soon. 

Until then, keep digging!

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Post by Heather Lynn.

Egyptian Spider Carvings or Sirius Star Chart?

...

Back in December, archaeologists from the North Kharga Oasis Survey Project in Egypt discovered a panel containing the only known example of spider rock art in Egypt. It is has been dated to at least about 4000 B.C.E. This would put the art firmly into prehistoric times. The large broken panel was found on the west wall of a shallow sandstone the Kharga Oasis, located in Egypt's western desert about 175 kilometers west of Luxor, facing east, as to be illuminated by the morning sun. The primary panel depicts what has been dubbed "spiders" with a "star,'' and has been called a "very unusual" find by renowned Egyptologist Salima Ikram, a professor at the American University in Cairo.

 Professor Ikram admits that the identification of the creatures as spiders is tentative, as there is little evidence the ancient Egyptians placed much significance on spiders. According to Ikram, thus known are rare examples from "religious texts dealing with the so-called 'Opening of the Mouth' ritual, a rite that was performed on the mummy or a statue to restore its senses for use in the Hereafter." (2013) She goes on to say that the "images are noteworthy if they are indeed spiders, as these would be unique depictions of such creatures in Old World rock art." The original article published by LiveScience asks "why did people in the Kharga Oasis create rock art showing spiders, especially when no other examples are known to exist elsewhere in Egypt or, it appears, the entire Old World?" (Jarus, 2013).

Is this the question we should be asking? First, I would say we need to determine whether or not these are likely depictions of spiders. Now, I want to preface this first by saying that the co-director of this project is a very respectable and admirable professional. Her many qualifications and accomplishments make her opinions highly credible. I have nothing but the highest respect for Dr. Salima Ikram. However, in the interest of research, I would pose this; as someone who has a focus on archaeozoology, Dr. Ikram may be more likely to spot animals in what she sees. As Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Schlegel said, "Everyone has found in the ancients whatever he needed or wished for; especially himself."

Take, for example, Henri Breuil, born February 28, 1877, a French archaeologist, anthropologist, and a devout Jesuit who studied cave art throughout Europe and Asia. After graduating from the Seminary of St. Sulpice and the Sorbonne, he was ordained a priest. Colleagues had been known to refer to him as an "irascible and egotistical man"(Silberman, 2012, p. 212). Breuil is known for his many books and interpretations of cave art, notably, the sympathetic magic theory. A lesser mentioned point about Henri Breuil, incidentally, is that he worked with The Ahnenerbe or "Inheritance of the Forefathers" which was a Nazi  research institute founded by Heinrich Himmler to locate the supposed archaeological and cultural history of the hypothesized "Aryan race."

In a cavern known as The Sanctuary at Trois-Frères in Ariège, France, Breuil found a cave drawing of a horned humanoid figure. (Fig 1.6) He sketched the figure later published that sketch in the 1920's (Fig, 1.7). Please compare the two images. Figure 1.7 you may recognize, as it is quite commonly referenced. It is known as “The Sorcerer.” However, Figure 1.6 is an actual photo of the drawing form the cave. How close do they look to you?

Fig 1.6

Fig 1.7

Breuil interpreted Figure 1.6 as being that of a sorcerer or shaman, and goes on to suggest the creators of this art were early human shamans that would travel deep into the darkest parts of the cavern and go into a trance like state. They would then paint images of their visions with the idea that they could draw power out of the cave walls. This theory, sketch, and the credibility of Henri Breuil have been the subject of much debate. Though many past scholars viewed Breuil as almost infallible in his judgments, even calling him the “Pope of Prehistory,” modern critics point out that his work contains many errors and misjudgments and that the sketch takes too many liberties when compared with the actual painted image on the cave. It may be natural for a man of such devout faith to interpret the image as having some religious or spiritual connotation. This again is an example of finding “…in the ancients whatever he needed or wished for; especially himself.” The theory may not be altogether bad, however, considering the amount of speculation, it is peculiar how Breuil’s theory has become an accepted mainstream narrative for Upper Paleolithic cave art.

This is why it’s important to consider many perspectives. Look at the “spiders” on the rock art and see what you think they may be. How much of yourself and your own interests influence your interpretation?

One interesting theory that was brought to my attention was from a Facebook friend of mine, Brian Daynes from Great Doddington, England. He suggested that the circles may represent star positions in the sky and perhaps be a calendar similar to the alignment of the pyramids. He even went on to provide this graphic for comparison. Mr. Daynes points out that "Sirius (going from bottom left diagonally to top right) has the same plot points as on the stone. The stone is a drawing of the Sirius star system. With the fourth plot point out of alignment to the others, as seen on the star map and as seen on the pictured stone." What are your thoughts?

I think this idea is as good, if not better than the theory of these being spiders. In fact, I have been enlisting the input of a few people I believe to be experts in star alignments to help me fine tune this idea. I have also reached out to members of the team from the North Kharga Oasis Survey Project in Egypt, all of which will be included in my upcoming book, Land of the Watchers. Dare I say, if these alignments turn out to be accurate, then forget spiders. We may have found a map of the stars. While it may not prove to be as old as the oldest scientifically recognized star chart, nor the oldest calendar, it would be a significant discovery due to its location and potential detail. Naturally, I will keep everyone posted on the progress of this research.

References

Jarus, O. (2013, December 20). Ancient Spider Rock Art Sparks Archaeological Mystery. LiveScience. Retrieved December 21, 2013, from http://www.livescience.com/42126-spider-rock-art-discovered-in-egypt.html

Silberman, N. A. (2012). The Oxford companion to archaeology (2nd ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.

Ancient Aliens on History

I will be flying to LA this morning to film for an upcoming  appearance on Ancient Aliens. I am really looking forward to it! Be sure to tune in to the History Channel, Mondays 10/9C to check out the show. Season six is all new!

Excited to view the Cyrus Cylinder!

I am very excited! I will be traveling to L.A. on business next weekend. While there, I will be making a stop in Malibu to the Getty Villa for an opportunity to view the Cyrus Cylinder.

On loan from the British Museum, this will be its final stop in the U.S., so I am grateful for the opportunity. Discovered at Babylon in 1879 in the Esagila (the Marduk temple of Babylon), the Cyrus Cylinder is one of the most famous artifacts from the ancient world. It records the conquest of Babylon in 539 B.C.E. by the Persian king, Cyrus the Great (ruled 559–530 B.C.E.) and is often described as "the first charter of human rights."

Cyrus the Great was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, the largest empire by geographical extent in ancient times. During his reign, he tried to uphold diverse traditions by encouraging freedom of worship throughout the Persian Empire, restoring previously outlawed religious traditions, and allowing deported people to return to their homelands. He claims to have achieved his success through the help of Marduk, the god of Babylon.

For more information on the Cyrus Cylinder, check out this short presentation from art historian and Director of the British Museum, Neil MacGregor.

Radio Appearance—Just Energy Radio with Dr. Rita Louise

Tonight I will be on Just Energy Radio with Dr. Rita Louise. 

Listen Live, Thursday, August 1st from 8:00PM-10PM EST

You can also call in and listen to the show on your phone by dialing: (786)837-2262  

Belief in the Anunnaki

In much of my research into alternative theories of civilization and archaeology, I often come across the Anunnaki. The Anunnakiis a group of ancient Mesopotamian deities headed by Anu, (Sumerian An) the sky god of Uruk and often symbolized by a horned crown on a shrine.

This group of chthonic deities of fertility later became the Judges, or Watchers of the Underworld. These Anunnaki deities have been popularized in more recent time by the late author Zecharia Sitchin, who proposed an explanation for human origins based on his interpretations of Sumerian creation myths, as it relates to the Ancient Alien/Astronaut Theory.

Many who read my blog and follow my work are likely already familiar with Sitchin and have at least a working knowledge of his theories. If you do not, I would suggest a simple Google search of Sitchin will be enough to give you a general idea.

Widely considered controversial at best, Sitchin's theories are routinely dismissed as pseudoscience and his work has been shown to have many flaws. It may be easy to dismiss his claims; however, it is not so easy to dismiss his conviction. Sitchin was a prolific writer and researcher. Though technically an amateur, he was dedicated to researching the fundamental questions of human origins. He must be at least respected for the level of work and gall he had to allow his creativity to fuel his scholarly quest. 

With this being said, I enjoy Sitchin. I am intrigued by its romanticism and I am supremely interested in the overall themes. However, having studied Sumerian creation myths as well as a variety of other myths with the hope of finding some unifying themes, which I have, I must conclude that the Sitchin account is not something in which I believe. Does this mean it has no value? I wouldn't say that. I believe Sitchin and his predecessors, Immanuel Velikovsky and Erich von Däniken have brought to light some interesting ways of looking at myths, artifacts, and society as a whole. However, just as I wouldn’t take the word of any one professor, I would not accept the word of any one author. I think it is important to expand our thinking and entertain theories even if they seem contrary to our belief systems, or even outlandish. At the very least, it spurs creative thinking and offers counter arguments and new perspectives.

So, my suggestion to anyone interested in theories of Anunnaki as our extraterrestrial creators is to do the research yourself and come to your own conclusions. In doing so, be sure to consider many views, from the most fringe to the most sterile and academic. Allow yourself the freedom of both creative and critical thinking. Don’t stop until you have answered all your questions and have filled in all the gaps. Build yourself a framework of historical variables and don’t succumb exclusively to the methods of hard science or Reductionism.

Cartesian style Reductionism is at the heart of modern scientific thinking. This method of understanding says that complex systems can be explained by reducing them to their most basic and fundamental parts. There are many data points that must be in place for Reductionism to work well, a luxury we don’t often have when looking at history or the archaeological record. While this works to some extent, it is not always the most effective approach when dealing with social sciences.

In history, all variables are, in a sense, dependent. To isolate one as independent is to alter the nature of historical development (Gaddis, 2004). Historical variables are not causal. As a historian, archaeologist, or student of the past, there are only pieces of history with which to study. Each variable is a piece of the puzzle as a whole. There is a valid need to generalize based on the variables and their connections to gain a more holistic view of past events.

This is why as a social scientist, I often favor Holism, over Reductionism. I believe that natural systems and their properties should be viewed as wholes, not as collections of parts. I believe that humanity is an extremely complex system whose function cannot be fully understood by its pieces alone. We need creative dot connectors, including Sitchin and others, to help open our minds to possibilities outside of our own intellectual comfort zones. Even Sir Isaac Newton allowed himself the privilege of entertaining theories which science would surely deem superstitious and based in fantasy.

Do I believe in the Anunnaki? If I were limited to Reductionism or semantics I would say no, not in the popular sense. But in a holistic way, I would say I believe there is some greater truth buried deep within the Sumerian myths, as there is with all myths. By studying these myths, this truth can be realized but by limiting ourselves to romantic ideas, semantics, or the word of authority figures, we will forever be vulnerable to the story-telling of anyone with enough charisma to convince us into complacency.

So for now, I personally need more “proof,” but I am happy to be approaching this question with an open heart, and critical mind. Like many truth-seekers, I am still seeking, but you can be sure of one thing, if/when I come across this proof, you will be the first to know! 

NASA's Latest Discovery of Possible Ancient Life on Mars and the Man from Clay Monomyth

NASA/JPL-Caltech/Cornell Univ./Arizona State Univ.

A recent report from NASA says that samples taken from the surface of Mars has indicated the presence of clay and other minerals, indicating a long history of contact with water. 

According to the scientists, “Clay minerals tend to form only at a more neutral pH. This is water you could drink. It was much more favorable for things like prebiotic chemistry – the kind that could lead to the origin of life.” Since Mars was warmer and wetter billions of years ago, it could have theoretically sustained life. 

What is interesting to me is that clay and water have been an important reference point to life throughout history. Perhaps the ancients knew something we do not? Could complex organisms arise from such simple material as clay? Here is just a short look at the universality of the “Man from Clay” myth from varied translations, cultures, and regions: 

• Assyro-Babylonian: Aruru (Ninmah, Nintu, Ninhursaga, Belet-ili, Mami) - made Enkidu in Anu's image by pinching off a piece of clay, throwing it into the wilderness, and birthing him there. 

• Canaan-Ugaritic: According to Gibson's translation, "men are considered made of 'clay'."

• Sumerian: According to Samuel Noah Kramer (Tablets of Sumer, Colorado,1956) Nammu and Ninmah, mixed clay which was 'over the abyss' and brought man into existence. Gods were having difficulty in finding food, and their problems have increased when the later born goddesses joined them. Enki the water god - he was the god of wisdom and in a position to help them - was fast asleep in the sea and did not hear their complaints. Enki's mother Mother of all Gods Nammu brought the tears of the complainants to Enki and told him in their presence: "O! my son, get off your bed... do what is wise. Give shape to (make some) servants to gods. Let them make their own copies.(?)" Enki thinks, decides to head the 'union of good and bright modelists' and says to Nammu: 'O! mother, the creature you have mentioned exists: Put the image of gods(?) on him. Shape his heart from the clay on the surface of the Bottomless Deep. Good and bright modelists will thicken this clay. You make its organs; Ninmah (Goddess of Earth) will work in front of you. While you are making a model…goddesses of birth will be with you. O! mother decide on the faith of the newborn, let Ninmah put the image of gods on it: This is the human."

• Ancient Egyptian: Khnum, the ram-headed god of Elephantine, the potter, fashioned men on his wheel, making use of the clay in his locality as his basic material.

• Ancient Greeks: Prometheus shaped man out of clay and Athena breathed life into this clay figure.

• The Qur'an, the lord says "I am going to create a human being out of clay. When I have formed him and breathed My Spirit into him, fall down in prostration to him!" (Qur'an, 38:71-72), Then inquire of them: Is it they who are stronger in structure or other things We have created? We created them from sticky clay. (Qur'an, 37:11)

• The Pangwe of Cameroun say that God first created a lizard out of clay which he placed in a pool to soak. He left it there for seven days, and then called ‘Man, come out’, and a man emerged instead of a lizard.

• The Inca: "There he raised up all the people and nations, making figures of clay and painting the clothes each nation was to wear. To each nation he gave a language, songs and the seeds they were to sow. Then he breathed life and soul into the clay and ordered each nation to pass under the earth and emerge in the place he directed."

• In Asia, The Bagobos, a pagan tribe of South-Eastern Mindanao, say that a god took two lumps of earth, shaped them like human figures, and spat on them; so they became man and woman.

Due to the monomythic nature of the "Man from Clay" narrative, some scientists have tried to study its possibility. 

According to the findings of scientists, Martin Hanczyc, Shelly Fujikawa and Jack Szostak at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and published in the highly reputable journal Science (vol 302, p 618 ), it may appear possible that life can originate from clay particles and water. After experiments, the team found that the two crucial components for the origin of life (genetic material and cell membranes) could have been introduced to one another by a lump of clay. 

They studied montmorillonite clay and concluded that it can dramatically accelerate the formation of membranous fluid-filled sacs. These sacs can grow and undergo a simple form of division, giving them the properties of primitive cells. Previous work has shown that the same simple mineral can help assemble the genetic material RNA from simpler chemicals. 

Leslie Orgel, an origin of life expert at the Salk Institute for Biological Sciences in San Diego, California has noted that “the clay also gets internalized in these sacs”, postulating a connection between the mechanism that creates RNA and encloses it in a membrane. One theory about how this works is that the negatively charged layers of clay’s crystals create a trapping of positive charge, creating a highly attractive environment for RNA subunits to concentrate and join together into long chains. In their research with clay, it was seen to have a 100-fold acceleration of the formation of these sacs. Once formed, the sacs were able to use bits of clay and grow by absorbing more fatty acid subunits. They essentially made "protocells” that could divide, grow, and evolve. 

This fits very well with not only ancient “Man from Clay” myths, but it also fits the scientific research showing how the basic building blocks for RNA-like molecules and membranes can be spontaneously created by chemical reactions that could occur not only on a primordial Earth, but outer space as well.

Considering all of this in relation to the new findings by NASA, it really shows just how important the discovery of clay on Mars is. Could this mean there were complex life forms on Mars billions of years ago? If the theory of panspermia is accurate, could life on Earth have been a result of primordial seeding of this material from Mars? This is especially interesting to think about when considering the ancient creation myths. 

There are too many uncertainties to conclusively answer any of these questions. To me, this is precisely why it is such an exciting subject. One thing is certain; we have only scratched the surface!  

Follow-up Report Coming Soon!

Former CIA Director and Defense Secretary Robert Gates, receiving a tour of the Ziggurat of Ur, Iraq, Jan. 19, 2007.

I am almost finished writing my next report which will be available this summer!

In my recent publication The Sumerian Controversy, available now on Amazon, I lifted the veil and exposed the elite political and corporate power structure behind the latest discovery near the ancient city or Ur. 

In this follow-up, I push the boundaries of the accepted narrative, presenting an unbiased look at the hypotheses and beliefs of today's leading theorists. Ancient aliens, suppressed technology, stargates, free energy, ancient wisdom, the search for royal bloodlines; these are just some of the many alternative theories that have been proposed to explain the secrecy behind recent Sumerian archaeological excavations. 

Could any of this be true, or is it all wild speculation? What does science say? Where is the evidence? Is it being hidden? What are the possible implications? 

How far down this path would you be willing to travel?

New Book!!!

The print version of the my special report on the latest discovery near Ur is now available on 
Amazon! 

PDF version is also available here. 

More News from the Latest Discovery Near Ur

Here are some photos of the newest artifacts coming out of the excavation near the ancient city or Ur. 

Various bits of pottery and artifacts have been systematically collected, bagged up and shipped out for further analysis. 

Also, a rim fragment from a once magnificent alabaster bowl has been found. 

Next, there is a mysterious item made from rare and expensive diorite that has been recovered. Theories for what this artifact is have ranged from a recycled chip of larger relic to possibly a game piece. No one knows for certain yet. 

Finally, the shallow grave of an infant was found just under the surface. The gender of the infant is still unclear. Its body was placed into a pottery jar which was then laid on its side.

There have been many more, one in particular that is potentially revealing that I will speak about tonight on OWRN. 

Stay tuned! I will be posting more photos from this excavation tomorrow!

More Breaking News on Ancient Sumerian Site

The British team assigned to the site has described what was initially thought to be a large temple as being even larger than anticipated. It has been measured, so far, to be about the size of a football field.

It is extremely unusual to find complexes this old at this scale. Sources are describing the site as Ur’s “administrative center”, dating back at least 4,000 years.

While it’s still early, among some of the artifacts found was a 3 ½ inch clay plaque, depicting a worshiper dressed in a long fringed robe (as shown on the left).

The actual excavation of the site was started last month in a joint collaboration with British and Iraqi teams. There are more foreign teams being allowed in, and more information will soon be available.

Time will only tell what they will discover! I have been making arrangements to speak directly with the officials involved so I will update everyone on this discovery as details emerge.

Stay tuned…

Ancient Sumerian Temple Discovered

A buried temple-like structure near the ancient Mesopotamian city of Ur (in modern day Iraq) has been found. It is believed to be at least 4000 years old. 

 The size of the structure is massive. The walls are nine feet thick, indicating that the building was of great importance. It’s a monumental complex with rows of rooms encircling a large courtyard. 

Using modern archaeological methods, researchers are testing soil samples to determine information about climate, agriculture, and possible uses for this building. 

 What makes this discovery so important is its location. At more than 10 miles from Ur, it is the first major archaeological find that far from the city center. It is also notable since foreign archaeologists have been banned from the area by the Iraqi government for political reasons many years. This is one of the first discoveries made since archaeologists have been allowed back into the area. 

 What more might they uncover?