Ancient Gods: Lost Histories, Hidden Truths, and the Conspiracy of Silence

In this eclectic and intriguing alternate history, Willis argues that modern humans are not the first to achieve a technologically advanced civilization. A previous group of advanced humans faced near-extinction after a series of natural disasters, he writes, but managed to pass some of their knowledge to less advanced peoples who considered them gods. In the first half of the book, Willis lays out an astonishing number of relics showing impressive skill and keen astronomical knowledge, including megaliths, pyramids, and Nazca lines. To show the possibility of massive disaster, he recounts theories of Atlantis, Mu, and other (firmer) archaeological evidence. Each receives quick treatment, making the book better suited for skipping about than reading straight through. In the less convincing second half, he attempts to prove that these advanced humans left bread crumbs for us to rediscover in myths and religion. This requires more trust in his own readings of myth and science, especially as he includes advanced theoretical physics. Despite the frequent mention of a conspiracy of silence, Willis is less clear on why scientists and historians would oppose what he claims is obvious. Even if this history will not change minds, it provides a fascinating theory and plenty of avenues for the curious to explore more fully. (Feb.)