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The Ancient Alien Question: A New Inquiry Into the Existence, Evidence, and Influence of Ancient Visitors
Have we been visited by extraterrestrial beings? Did these ancient aliens contribute to the birth of human civilization? Do our ancient monuments contain evidence of their presence?
The Ancient Alien Question reveals an array of astonishing truths, including: -+ A radically different understanding of the pyramids and how they were constructed-+ The origins of crystal skulls and how they were found-+ The extraordinary stories behind monuments such as the Nazca lines and Puma Punku, and who built them-+ How extraterrestrials came to our planet and the evidence that supports this
Analyzing the historical and archaeological evidence, Philip Coppens demonstrates that there is substantial proof that our ancestors were far more technologically advanced than currently accepted, and that certain cultures interacted with non-human intelligences. Our ancestors were clearly not alone. Forty years after von Däniken, posed these questions in Chariots of the Gods, Coppens provides clear and concise answers to the great historical enigmas in a most accessible and readable format. Your view of human history will never be the same again!
The Ancient Alien Question reveals an array of astonishing truths, including: -+ A radically different understanding of the pyramids and how they were constructed-+ The origins of crystal skulls and how they were found-+ The extraordinary stories behind monuments such as the Nazca lines and Puma Punku, and who built them-+ How extraterrestrials came to our planet and the evidence that supports this
Analyzing the historical and archaeological evidence, Philip Coppens demonstrates that there is substantial proof that our ancestors were far more technologically advanced than currently accepted, and that certain cultures interacted with non-human intelligences. Our ancestors were clearly not alone. Forty years after von Däniken, posed these questions in Chariots of the Gods, Coppens provides clear and concise answers to the great historical enigmas in a most accessible and readable format. Your view of human history will never be the same again!
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
137 people are currently reading
1439 people want to read
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May 26, 2023
The conspiracy theories pertaining to the Egyptian pyramids and the aliens have fascinated many scholars. Specific markings inside the pyramids and certain hieroglyphics catalyzed people to discuss these topics more.
Some of the concepts described in this book don’t have much scientific background. But still, it will be a good choice to read if you are interested in this topic and like books like Chariots of The Gods.
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Some of the concepts described in this book don’t have much scientific background. But still, it will be a good choice to read if you are interested in this topic and like books like Chariots of The Gods.
—————————————————————————
You can also follow me on
Instagram ID - Dasfill | YouTube Channel ID - Dasfill | YouTube Health Channel ID - Dasfill - Health | YouTube Malayalam Channel ID - Dasfill - Malayalam | Twitter ID - Dasfill1 | Snapchat ID - Dasfill | Facebook ID - Dasfill | TikTok ID - Dasfill1
June 16, 2018
Do yourself a favor, if you like this sort of thing just go buy any Graham Hancock book. They are way better researched and much more entertaining. This was just a total chore to get through. Definitely not what I was expecting.
May 3, 2012
I just finished The Ancient Alien Question last night and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Filip covers a vast amount of territory deftly. His insights are invaluable. I love that he is at once a skeptic and believer. This aids in the journey towards truth because one needs to be just enough skeptic to question, doubt, and test a theory, but one needs also to be open-minded enough to embrace a far out truth and The Ancient Alien Question, to most, is pretty far out. To me, it's just highly logical.
Thanks to Mr. Coppens for writing a book that clearly illustrates that The Ancient Alien Question (and Answer) isn't crazy and has scientific evidence, despite it being highly controversial, debated, ignored, and blatantly omitted by mainstream academia.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever watched Ancient Aliens, read Erich von Daniken's book Chariots of the Gods, enjoyed The X-Files, or simply stared at the star-filled night sky and wondered, "Are we alone?"
The answer lies within the pages of The Ancient Alien Question. The Ancient Alien Question: A New Inquiry Into the Existence, Evidence, and Influence of Ancient Visitors
Thanks to Mr. Coppens for writing a book that clearly illustrates that The Ancient Alien Question (and Answer) isn't crazy and has scientific evidence, despite it being highly controversial, debated, ignored, and blatantly omitted by mainstream academia.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever watched Ancient Aliens, read Erich von Daniken's book Chariots of the Gods, enjoyed The X-Files, or simply stared at the star-filled night sky and wondered, "Are we alone?"
The answer lies within the pages of The Ancient Alien Question. The Ancient Alien Question: A New Inquiry Into the Existence, Evidence, and Influence of Ancient Visitors
April 30, 2021
Ok, this was exactly as expected and it did not disappoint. I've never seen the show (surprise!) but I've wanted to for years. Eventually I will sit down and do it.
I had a lot of fun listening to this book and the theories are so cool. It's hard for me to review this because there's SO MUCH INFO.
I would recommend a phisical book over an audio. Not because the audio is bad (on the contrary), but because you'll probably want to look some things up, write them down etc and it's easier when you have it in front of you.
I wish at least half the people in the world were like Phillip Coppens, judging by the writing.
Definitely a must read for alien enthusiasts.
I had a lot of fun listening to this book and the theories are so cool. It's hard for me to review this because there's SO MUCH INFO.
I would recommend a phisical book over an audio. Not because the audio is bad (on the contrary), but because you'll probably want to look some things up, write them down etc and it's easier when you have it in front of you.
I wish at least half the people in the world were like Phillip Coppens, judging by the writing.
Definitely a must read for alien enthusiasts.
April 19, 2013
Unlike some proponents of the Ancient Aliens hypothesis, Philip Coppens does not badger the reader into accepting his pitch without substantial justification.
Instead, he analyzes the evidence with careful analysis, objectivity, and most importantly, logic, before he concludes if contact was previously established between humans and extraterrestrials here on Earth or among the metaphysical realms. In some cases, he isn’t shy to admit that some of the historical accounts do not carry much weight at all. His impartial and professional investigative nature is apparent in that sense.
Coppens also covers a wide array of topics, ranging from religious texts to first-hand accounts of lesser known characters and incidents in antiquity, like ancient Mayan rituals, or Imhotep and his apparent use of geopolymers to construct the pyramids in Egypt for instance. This book is a relatively easy read, and it shouldn’t deter those with a limited grasp of history and the sciences, yours truly included. I am an avid follower of the TV series on the History channel, and the Ancient Alien Question does serve to add depth to the topics featured in the documentary.
Scientists might brush the theory aside as pseudoscience with little hard evidence to substantiate the Ancient Aliens claim, but as with all religions, belief is often tied with blind faith. I advise the reader to approach the subject matter with an open and discerning mind, and to let the arguments speak for themselves. To borrow his quote, we ARE the aliens.
RIP Mister Coppens. You’re greatly missed.
Instead, he analyzes the evidence with careful analysis, objectivity, and most importantly, logic, before he concludes if contact was previously established between humans and extraterrestrials here on Earth or among the metaphysical realms. In some cases, he isn’t shy to admit that some of the historical accounts do not carry much weight at all. His impartial and professional investigative nature is apparent in that sense.
Coppens also covers a wide array of topics, ranging from religious texts to first-hand accounts of lesser known characters and incidents in antiquity, like ancient Mayan rituals, or Imhotep and his apparent use of geopolymers to construct the pyramids in Egypt for instance. This book is a relatively easy read, and it shouldn’t deter those with a limited grasp of history and the sciences, yours truly included. I am an avid follower of the TV series on the History channel, and the Ancient Alien Question does serve to add depth to the topics featured in the documentary.
Scientists might brush the theory aside as pseudoscience with little hard evidence to substantiate the Ancient Aliens claim, but as with all religions, belief is often tied with blind faith. I advise the reader to approach the subject matter with an open and discerning mind, and to let the arguments speak for themselves. To borrow his quote, we ARE the aliens.
RIP Mister Coppens. You’re greatly missed.
November 17, 2019
There are too many things on this planet, starting with life itself, that cannot be explained entirely in a satisfactory way, and although it is Science to which I tend to turn first, I am aware of its limitations. I also do want to believe. As a child and later, I discovered and devoured the works of Erich von Däniken and Zecharia Sitchin among others.
Later, I began doubting many of their claims; I wanted to believe, but not unreasonably.
Philip Coppens took all the aspects of the Ancient Astronaut Theory and analyzed them with the mind set that I would have done it. Skeptical enough and enough of a believer, he wrote a book that brought me all that reason that I was looking for. It feels like home.
"Though we no longer believe the world originated in 4004 BC, what science and archaeology have done is to place the origins of civilization at that moment in time, and argue that anything before then cannot be validated by science, and hence by default is believed not to be true. However, truth simply is, whether you believe it or not."
Later, I began doubting many of their claims; I wanted to believe, but not unreasonably.
Philip Coppens took all the aspects of the Ancient Astronaut Theory and analyzed them with the mind set that I would have done it. Skeptical enough and enough of a believer, he wrote a book that brought me all that reason that I was looking for. It feels like home.
"Though we no longer believe the world originated in 4004 BC, what science and archaeology have done is to place the origins of civilization at that moment in time, and argue that anything before then cannot be validated by science, and hence by default is believed not to be true. However, truth simply is, whether you believe it or not."
January 4, 2017
Interesting thing about this book is that, for myself, after a fifteen year hiatus in the Ancient Astronaut Theory, there is not much new information here than back then. In other words, if you were in the thick of it in the 1990s, there's not much here for you. However, with that said, there is enough new in it to recommend it if you're interested in this sort of thing.
The author, Philip Coppens, is more fair and honest on the “evidence" than so many other authors trying to sell books. He isn't a cheerleader for the sake of pushing this fun and fascinating theory. If the facts aren't there, he says so.
An example is his analysis of Zecharia Sitchin. He calls him out. Sitchin was wrong.
The Nazca Lines? Not a runaway for airships, but more likely a runway for shaman spirit journeys and the like.
William Bramley and his Gods of Eden stirring humanity into conflict hypothesis? Not proven.
The Sirius Mystery? Not a mystery. More like fabrication or unintentionally giving the information to the Dogon and being surprised to hear it repeated back.
And those pyramids on both sides of the Atlantic? Not tombs, and I've always agreed with this conclusion. The tomb-theory lacks evidence. They weren't built to house a corpse. They were built and used for rituals of the kings to keep in communication with the gods. See this book for details but what we're dealing with are shamanic experiences, not actual contact.
What I also appreciated was the analysis of the “Metal Library”. First made known by Erich Von Daniken and then nearly killing his career over charges of fabrication, the library is alleged to contain numerous books made of metal from someone/something long ago. Some locals have claimed to have personally been in the library (which resides underground somewhere in Ecuador).
I had the opportunity in 1993, during the Ancient Astronaut Society's 20th annual convention, to ask Von Daniken about the cave and he was adamant he was there. Not in the metal library, but one of the caves in the area. And that's the last I, personally, bothered to look into it. Jump forward to this book. Coppens shows that Von Daniken probably did not lie. He was shown a cave with some man-made construction. He was only told about the alleged library. And since 1993, more research has gone into it including a team involving of all people, Neil Armstrong. But the main players have all since passed away without finding it. So regarding the library, the jury really is still out on this one.
I'm in agreement with Coppens that a proper investigation and field survey should be conducted regarding this metal library. But until that happens, it isn't evidence. The metal library is just a legend. We have another legend of golden (metal) tablets allegedly found by Joseph Smith in upper state New York that he claimed the Angel Moroni allowed him to see and dictate the Book of Mormon out of them. No one else has seen these tablets. So until the books/tablets in either case turn up, they're not evidence of anything.
Myths and legends of gods bringing civilization to human kind are anecdotal and do not count in science. Every story carries as much weight as any other story if no evidence exists to back them up. For instance, the Sumerians had myths of gods who created humanity. But they also had myths that the first humans sprouted out of the ground like plants. Each has just as much evidence for being true which is zero.
Spoiler alert: The present volume ends, concluding there was an alien intelligence that our ancestors were in contact with. According to Coppens, it isn't, however, a physical contact but some form of “psychic” (my word) contact. Coppens offers a hypothesis that the contact was something like in the 1996 movie Contact. And that the blueprints for Khufu's pyramid were passed on to the Egyptians so they could build it and talk.
I, however, doubt this. Why? Well, what did they talk about? If the ancient aliens are so advanced, why not give some advice like, “wash your hands before you eat” or “here's the formula for penicillin” or “hey you in the Americas, you in the middle east, here's the blueprints for large boats so you can go hang out with one another”. Or how about any information of Einstein level brilliance our ancestors couldn't have possibly known?
No, nothing in ancient literature, culture or otherwise suggests there was any knowledge the ancients themselves couldn't have come up with on their own. The advanced stone workings et al are impressive. But just because we have yet to answer all these questions doesn't mean we should jump to the “aliens of the gaps” answer. And anything, any knowledge at all that came about through the use of hallucinogenic drugs is garbage. Coppens, citing other's work that it does, is flat wrong here.
Bottom line for the present volume is that I walk away from the subject matter about the same place I.S. Shklovskii and Carl Sagan did in their exploration of the subject mentioned in their book, “Intelligent Life in the Universe”. There's a lot of mystery left on the planet. But we can not verify any proof the aliens were here. I do, however, recommend “The Ancient Alien Question” for anyone who's watched the History Channel's “Ancient Aliens” program which featured Coppens in many episodes. This book is a great start for anyone interested in the theory. I just differ with the conclusions. We have yet to find anything more than points of interest and at best can say, "well, maybe they were here". But until more outstanding evidence surfaces, it's just not something we're going to start teaching in the schools.
The author, Philip Coppens, is more fair and honest on the “evidence" than so many other authors trying to sell books. He isn't a cheerleader for the sake of pushing this fun and fascinating theory. If the facts aren't there, he says so.
An example is his analysis of Zecharia Sitchin. He calls him out. Sitchin was wrong.
The Nazca Lines? Not a runaway for airships, but more likely a runway for shaman spirit journeys and the like.
William Bramley and his Gods of Eden stirring humanity into conflict hypothesis? Not proven.
The Sirius Mystery? Not a mystery. More like fabrication or unintentionally giving the information to the Dogon and being surprised to hear it repeated back.
And those pyramids on both sides of the Atlantic? Not tombs, and I've always agreed with this conclusion. The tomb-theory lacks evidence. They weren't built to house a corpse. They were built and used for rituals of the kings to keep in communication with the gods. See this book for details but what we're dealing with are shamanic experiences, not actual contact.
What I also appreciated was the analysis of the “Metal Library”. First made known by Erich Von Daniken and then nearly killing his career over charges of fabrication, the library is alleged to contain numerous books made of metal from someone/something long ago. Some locals have claimed to have personally been in the library (which resides underground somewhere in Ecuador).
I had the opportunity in 1993, during the Ancient Astronaut Society's 20th annual convention, to ask Von Daniken about the cave and he was adamant he was there. Not in the metal library, but one of the caves in the area. And that's the last I, personally, bothered to look into it. Jump forward to this book. Coppens shows that Von Daniken probably did not lie. He was shown a cave with some man-made construction. He was only told about the alleged library. And since 1993, more research has gone into it including a team involving of all people, Neil Armstrong. But the main players have all since passed away without finding it. So regarding the library, the jury really is still out on this one.
I'm in agreement with Coppens that a proper investigation and field survey should be conducted regarding this metal library. But until that happens, it isn't evidence. The metal library is just a legend. We have another legend of golden (metal) tablets allegedly found by Joseph Smith in upper state New York that he claimed the Angel Moroni allowed him to see and dictate the Book of Mormon out of them. No one else has seen these tablets. So until the books/tablets in either case turn up, they're not evidence of anything.
Myths and legends of gods bringing civilization to human kind are anecdotal and do not count in science. Every story carries as much weight as any other story if no evidence exists to back them up. For instance, the Sumerians had myths of gods who created humanity. But they also had myths that the first humans sprouted out of the ground like plants. Each has just as much evidence for being true which is zero.
Spoiler alert: The present volume ends, concluding there was an alien intelligence that our ancestors were in contact with. According to Coppens, it isn't, however, a physical contact but some form of “psychic” (my word) contact. Coppens offers a hypothesis that the contact was something like in the 1996 movie Contact. And that the blueprints for Khufu's pyramid were passed on to the Egyptians so they could build it and talk.
I, however, doubt this. Why? Well, what did they talk about? If the ancient aliens are so advanced, why not give some advice like, “wash your hands before you eat” or “here's the formula for penicillin” or “hey you in the Americas, you in the middle east, here's the blueprints for large boats so you can go hang out with one another”. Or how about any information of Einstein level brilliance our ancestors couldn't have possibly known?
No, nothing in ancient literature, culture or otherwise suggests there was any knowledge the ancients themselves couldn't have come up with on their own. The advanced stone workings et al are impressive. But just because we have yet to answer all these questions doesn't mean we should jump to the “aliens of the gaps” answer. And anything, any knowledge at all that came about through the use of hallucinogenic drugs is garbage. Coppens, citing other's work that it does, is flat wrong here.
Bottom line for the present volume is that I walk away from the subject matter about the same place I.S. Shklovskii and Carl Sagan did in their exploration of the subject mentioned in their book, “Intelligent Life in the Universe”. There's a lot of mystery left on the planet. But we can not verify any proof the aliens were here. I do, however, recommend “The Ancient Alien Question” for anyone who's watched the History Channel's “Ancient Aliens” program which featured Coppens in many episodes. This book is a great start for anyone interested in the theory. I just differ with the conclusions. We have yet to find anything more than points of interest and at best can say, "well, maybe they were here". But until more outstanding evidence surfaces, it's just not something we're going to start teaching in the schools.
November 13, 2015
Excellent book. Even if you discount 60 - 70% of this, there remains that tantalizing 30 - 40% which continues to nag your consciousness. I learned a lot about how many world cultures seem to have very similar stories about how great "gods" descended from the heavens to mate with the daughters of man.
Why do the pyramids of Giza and the pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan both form the layout of Orion's Belt? Why did both cultures conform to the same template? Even more incredible is the 90 foot square section of mica inside the great pyramid and the ability of these edifices to conduct electrical current. How did the ancients know so much?
In other areas of the world, sand and rock have been melted into glass-like substances, the same sort of melding which occurred in our own West with the detonation of the first atomic bomb. This region was populated at a time long before our atomic age. How did this occur? Then there is the base of the temple complex at Baalbek in Lebanon. Only six columns of the temple remain, due to successive earthquakes, but the base of the temple, which is far older, remains intact. Every stone in the base weighs hundreds of tons. How did ancient peoples transport these huge pieces of rock to their final destination?
I am left with a sense of wonderment after reading this book. Perhaps aliens not only visited us in the past, but are still among us. Maybe WE are the aliens, too. Inter-breeding occurred and the two races combined, finding a way to live together in peace and harmony. It's an interesting supposition and one I fully intend to research further. Well worth the read.
Why do the pyramids of Giza and the pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan both form the layout of Orion's Belt? Why did both cultures conform to the same template? Even more incredible is the 90 foot square section of mica inside the great pyramid and the ability of these edifices to conduct electrical current. How did the ancients know so much?
In other areas of the world, sand and rock have been melted into glass-like substances, the same sort of melding which occurred in our own West with the detonation of the first atomic bomb. This region was populated at a time long before our atomic age. How did this occur? Then there is the base of the temple complex at Baalbek in Lebanon. Only six columns of the temple remain, due to successive earthquakes, but the base of the temple, which is far older, remains intact. Every stone in the base weighs hundreds of tons. How did ancient peoples transport these huge pieces of rock to their final destination?
I am left with a sense of wonderment after reading this book. Perhaps aliens not only visited us in the past, but are still among us. Maybe WE are the aliens, too. Inter-breeding occurred and the two races combined, finding a way to live together in peace and harmony. It's an interesting supposition and one I fully intend to research further. Well worth the read.
April 27, 2012
I have torn how to rate this book and decided it really is a 2.5, not quite 3 stars but more than 2. Here is my reasoning. I have read several of Erich von Daniken's books previously so a lot of this was not new insight to me. Though some of it was pretty much explained away in this book. Some evidence was new to me and it is more up to date than Daniken's early works so the fresh eye was nice. So it gets lower review for having a lot of old evidence and a higher rating for the newer. AT the same time I have to stop the book from getting an excellent review in that there is really no insight into Coppen's opinions. I can see how people think he is both pro Ancient Astronaut Theory and Anti. There is really no conclusions in the book, yes I know that is because there is no refutable evidence. However a little insight into his personal opinion would have been appreciated. In essence I feel like a spent several days reading a book with no point. Here is opinion A and here is opinion B, blah,blah, blah. Leaving me feel as though I really didn't learn anything at all. I have however been introduced to some new ideas and subjects to look into.
November 14, 2011
Coppens builds a case, for the use of advanced technology in the construction of ancient buildings, that is as solid as the pyramids that he writes about. I’ve enjoyed Coppens for some time and I was happy to receive this beautiful book.
At first glance, the art is outstanding. The cover art is fabulous. The graphics and photographs in the book are incredible. I really loved the color pictures in the middle of the book. Having said that, there is a lot more to this book than just eye-candy.
Coppens examines a variety of theories on multiple topics. He gives you the pros and cons of those theories and lets you decide. I enjoyed the debunking of some of the theories. I appreciate the large Bibliography, Notes, and Index. The real meat of the book would be the 289 pages, eight chapters, and a conclusion. All of which is kicked off with a foreword by Erich Von Daniken.
Excellent book! I highly recommend it. It’s a must-have for your home library.
At first glance, the art is outstanding. The cover art is fabulous. The graphics and photographs in the book are incredible. I really loved the color pictures in the middle of the book. Having said that, there is a lot more to this book than just eye-candy.
Coppens examines a variety of theories on multiple topics. He gives you the pros and cons of those theories and lets you decide. I enjoyed the debunking of some of the theories. I appreciate the large Bibliography, Notes, and Index. The real meat of the book would be the 289 pages, eight chapters, and a conclusion. All of which is kicked off with a foreword by Erich Von Daniken.
Excellent book! I highly recommend it. It’s a must-have for your home library.
February 11, 2013
It is horrible that he was taken from us so soon but his work will continue. This book was better than any of the other "Ancient Alien" type books that I have read because it was much more balanced and truly pointed out the bogus from the possible. Excellent read for anyone interested in this topic.
November 6, 2017
At first glance, it appears to be a rehash of many tomes written on ETs visiting Earth and constructing / guiding our ancestors in building the awesome buildings of Egyptian / Mexican pyramids, the Temple of Baalbek, Carnac Megaliths, mysteries like Nazca Lines, Puma Punku Stones, Crystal Skulls, et al. The view is further strengthened by nthe “Foreword” being written by Erich von Daniken – but as one reads through the book, the view changes.
Philip Coppens adduces evidence of alien help in various constructions, events, etc. from our past. In a large number of cases, he states that the evidence available only shows that the engineering and scientific knowledge of our ancestors was far beyond what science, anthropology and history was available to the civilizations. The logical conclusion, that can be inferred is that our ancestors had the help from some advanced lost civilization, but can it be inferred that they were aliens (ETs) – the answer is inconclusive.
Going back to legends, Extraterrestrial visitors can be accepted in the description of Oannes, the civilizing god of Babylon who “taught people how to create temples, compile laws, and use geometry, but that he rose out of the Persian Gulf at daytime and returned to this watery abode at night. He had the body of a fish, but underneath the figure of a man — he was, by all accounts, nonhuman.” In ancient Hindu Mythology (India) the first incarnation of Lord Mahavishnu was as half fish-half man. He guided the Indian Noah (Swayambhu Manu) and his companions and all the animals, birds etc. through the turbulent waters of the great flood and help re-establish human civilization in the new world. Oanes is mentioned in this book. “He (Carl Sagan) also believed that of all ancient accounts, the story of Oannes was the best evidence for the possibility that an alien had interacted with our ancestors, presenting a gift — the gift of civilization — which would enable major cultural change for those who received Oannes’ information.”
Coppens last chapter in the Ancient Alien Question is an eye-opener of sorts, he has led evidence that the alien intelligence and help was non-physical and more through telepathic / metaphysical contacts with aliens, who shared their advanced knowledge, science and technology to our ancestors. The knowledge was through the shamams, who imbibed certain brews like Ayahuasca (prepared from the Banisteriopsis vine usually mixed with leaves of shrubs that contain dimethyltryptamine brewed for more than 24 hours before it is drunk) –“ termed hallucinogenic, but actually help to stop the production of certain chemicals in the brain, and results in what experiencers describe it as the entry into another dimension, where communication with an otherworldly intelligence occurs. It is simply impossible for someone to have accidentally stumbled upon how to make ayahuasca: It uses specific plants, which have to be brewed for more than a day. In short, someone told the shamans how to concoct this alchemical potion. Ayahuasca should therefore be described as technology — chemical in nature — that aids humankind in establishing contact with an alien intelligence.”
In the Conclusion, Coppens observes :“Just before he died, in 212 BC, Emperor Chi Huang Ti ordered that all the books and literature relating to ancient China be destroyed. Similarly, according to Carl Sagan, there was once a book titled The True History of Mankind Over the Last 100,000 Years in the famed library of Alexandria, but the document was burned in a series of deliberate acts of arson meant to eradicate the “pagan” knowledge contained in those buildings in the third century AD. When the Spanish Conquistadors conquered the Aztecs in the 16th century, they burnt all the Aztecs’ books. Then, in the middle of the 19th century when the first European settler, a French priest named Eugene Eyraud, arrived on Easter Island, he made it his mission to burn as many of the native rongo rongo tablets as he could. Is it any wonder that “science” can’t find any evidence for ancient aliens, or lost knowledge?
That the evidence for the Ancient Alien Question has to be found in the most gigantic monuments — which were simply too big and solid to be destroyed — and ancient legends is precisely because of the consistent trend throughout humankind’s most recent history, on all continents, to eradicate large amounts, if not the majority, of our history — of “what came before.”
“What is evidence? What is proof? There are clear parallels between what McKenna and Imhotep received. There are hundreds of passages in the sacred literature of every ancient civilization that speak of contact with nonhuman intelligences. In the case of Oannes, even the likes of Carl Sagan felt that the evidence was in — that this could only be explained as contact with a physical extraterrestrial entity. For some, these accounts will not be enough.
The key here is the consensus reality: what we all agree to believe. It is a basic human right that any individual has the freedom to believe what he or she wants. And so it is my hope — my wish — that in these pages, I have laid out the nature and complexity of the Ancient Alien Question in such a way that you have the necessary building blocks that will allow you to decide whether you believe. I have shown you the process as to why I believe the answer is yes. But what I know is that the Ancient Alien Question has to be asked again today, for there are millions of people out there who want an answer.”
The book is refreshingly different and still leaves the “Ancient Alien Question” unanswered – “Are / Were We Alone?” But a serious reading of this book should turn logical sceptics into doubters and doubters into partial belivers, if not full belivers that “WE ARE / WERE NOT ALONE”.
Philip Coppens adduces evidence of alien help in various constructions, events, etc. from our past. In a large number of cases, he states that the evidence available only shows that the engineering and scientific knowledge of our ancestors was far beyond what science, anthropology and history was available to the civilizations. The logical conclusion, that can be inferred is that our ancestors had the help from some advanced lost civilization, but can it be inferred that they were aliens (ETs) – the answer is inconclusive.
Going back to legends, Extraterrestrial visitors can be accepted in the description of Oannes, the civilizing god of Babylon who “taught people how to create temples, compile laws, and use geometry, but that he rose out of the Persian Gulf at daytime and returned to this watery abode at night. He had the body of a fish, but underneath the figure of a man — he was, by all accounts, nonhuman.” In ancient Hindu Mythology (India) the first incarnation of Lord Mahavishnu was as half fish-half man. He guided the Indian Noah (Swayambhu Manu) and his companions and all the animals, birds etc. through the turbulent waters of the great flood and help re-establish human civilization in the new world. Oanes is mentioned in this book. “He (Carl Sagan) also believed that of all ancient accounts, the story of Oannes was the best evidence for the possibility that an alien had interacted with our ancestors, presenting a gift — the gift of civilization — which would enable major cultural change for those who received Oannes’ information.”
Coppens last chapter in the Ancient Alien Question is an eye-opener of sorts, he has led evidence that the alien intelligence and help was non-physical and more through telepathic / metaphysical contacts with aliens, who shared their advanced knowledge, science and technology to our ancestors. The knowledge was through the shamams, who imbibed certain brews like Ayahuasca (prepared from the Banisteriopsis vine usually mixed with leaves of shrubs that contain dimethyltryptamine brewed for more than 24 hours before it is drunk) –“ termed hallucinogenic, but actually help to stop the production of certain chemicals in the brain, and results in what experiencers describe it as the entry into another dimension, where communication with an otherworldly intelligence occurs. It is simply impossible for someone to have accidentally stumbled upon how to make ayahuasca: It uses specific plants, which have to be brewed for more than a day. In short, someone told the shamans how to concoct this alchemical potion. Ayahuasca should therefore be described as technology — chemical in nature — that aids humankind in establishing contact with an alien intelligence.”
In the Conclusion, Coppens observes :“Just before he died, in 212 BC, Emperor Chi Huang Ti ordered that all the books and literature relating to ancient China be destroyed. Similarly, according to Carl Sagan, there was once a book titled The True History of Mankind Over the Last 100,000 Years in the famed library of Alexandria, but the document was burned in a series of deliberate acts of arson meant to eradicate the “pagan” knowledge contained in those buildings in the third century AD. When the Spanish Conquistadors conquered the Aztecs in the 16th century, they burnt all the Aztecs’ books. Then, in the middle of the 19th century when the first European settler, a French priest named Eugene Eyraud, arrived on Easter Island, he made it his mission to burn as many of the native rongo rongo tablets as he could. Is it any wonder that “science” can’t find any evidence for ancient aliens, or lost knowledge?
That the evidence for the Ancient Alien Question has to be found in the most gigantic monuments — which were simply too big and solid to be destroyed — and ancient legends is precisely because of the consistent trend throughout humankind’s most recent history, on all continents, to eradicate large amounts, if not the majority, of our history — of “what came before.”
“What is evidence? What is proof? There are clear parallels between what McKenna and Imhotep received. There are hundreds of passages in the sacred literature of every ancient civilization that speak of contact with nonhuman intelligences. In the case of Oannes, even the likes of Carl Sagan felt that the evidence was in — that this could only be explained as contact with a physical extraterrestrial entity. For some, these accounts will not be enough.
The key here is the consensus reality: what we all agree to believe. It is a basic human right that any individual has the freedom to believe what he or she wants. And so it is my hope — my wish — that in these pages, I have laid out the nature and complexity of the Ancient Alien Question in such a way that you have the necessary building blocks that will allow you to decide whether you believe. I have shown you the process as to why I believe the answer is yes. But what I know is that the Ancient Alien Question has to be asked again today, for there are millions of people out there who want an answer.”
The book is refreshingly different and still leaves the “Ancient Alien Question” unanswered – “Are / Were We Alone?” But a serious reading of this book should turn logical sceptics into doubters and doubters into partial belivers, if not full belivers that “WE ARE / WERE NOT ALONE”.
April 12, 2019
The Ancient Alien Question: A New Inquiry Into the Existence, Evidence, and Influence of Ancient Visitors (Audiobook)
Different not what I normally would be prepared to follow this kind of story, more of a whim really, but kind off interesting had some points worth pondering, history is a curious thing archaeologist can always turn up with more hidden Gems and create more questions than answers, anyway I did enjoy it, not what I'd do again in a hurry though.
Different not what I normally would be prepared to follow this kind of story, more of a whim really, but kind off interesting had some points worth pondering, history is a curious thing archaeologist can always turn up with more hidden Gems and create more questions than answers, anyway I did enjoy it, not what I'd do again in a hurry though.
April 8, 2013
This book was not as entertaining as the TV show is, and without the guy with the crazy hair it wasn't the same. It also did not appear to come to the same conclusions but I read it for the sake of entertainment. It does more to suggest that the ancients may have been more knowledgeable and had more ingenuity than we originally thought.
September 16, 2013
Best book I have read on this topic, the author is very serious and sincere about the material he presents - showing the different opinions that exist about the wide range of evidence presented by the Ancient Alien proponents.
It is a great loss to the Ancient Alien investigation that he passed away this young.
It is a great loss to the Ancient Alien investigation that he passed away this young.
July 30, 2014
Logic-driven look at the most important phenomenon of all time.
February 29, 2024
A concise and useful book- basically a quick overview of the best reasons why someone could be led to believe the position that some for of alien/extraterrestrial/superior force had contacted and impacted terrestrial hominids prior to written history.
There is nothing insane or overly credulous here. Some of the topics discussed certainly involve questionable characters and evidence, but Coppens treats them as relatively suspect. He is certainly a proponent of the view that hominids were contacted by some form of alien life, but his purpose is clearly to treat the most widely discussed evidence, so as to accept some of it and wholly or partially discard the less credible stuff. He supports Von Daniken and undermines Stichen- attacking the latter because the shoddy and deceptively selective positions put forward by the likes of Stichen do more to discredit asking the "ancient alien question". Some of the topics are perhaps treated in a bit of ~spooky atmosphere, but perhaps some portion of that vibe is unavoidable in treating this topic. This book would make a great jumping off point into this topic.
There is nothing insane or overly credulous here. Some of the topics discussed certainly involve questionable characters and evidence, but Coppens treats them as relatively suspect. He is certainly a proponent of the view that hominids were contacted by some form of alien life, but his purpose is clearly to treat the most widely discussed evidence, so as to accept some of it and wholly or partially discard the less credible stuff. He supports Von Daniken and undermines Stichen- attacking the latter because the shoddy and deceptively selective positions put forward by the likes of Stichen do more to discredit asking the "ancient alien question". Some of the topics are perhaps treated in a bit of ~spooky atmosphere, but perhaps some portion of that vibe is unavoidable in treating this topic. This book would make a great jumping off point into this topic.
July 23, 2023
A REASONABLY ‘BALANCED’ LOOK AT THE ‘ANCIENT ALIEN QUESTION’
Author Philip Coppens wrote in the Introduction to this 2012 book, “Have we been visited by extraterrestrial beings in the past? Did these ‘ancient aliens’ contribute to the birth of human civilization? Do our ancient monuments contain evidence of their presence?... there is still tremendous popular interest in this ‘Ancient Alien Question.’ The television series ‘Ancient Aliens’ is continuously rated as The History Channel’s most watched documentary. What was originally conceived as a two-hour special grew into a phenomenon that saw more seasons added, each with more shows than it had before. But despite media and public interest, the phrase ‘ancient aliens’ remains taboo within the scientific community, Whether or not we were along in the human adventure that was early civilization is a question that is still not answered, or even addressed. The closest topic explored by science is the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI), executed by a handful of radio astronomers… [but] it is perceived to be a niche discipline. Even so, SETI merely investigates whether there are extraterrestrial civilizations somewhere out there… It is far less controversial than the Ancient Alien Question, about which science states that it knows that there were no alien interventions in the past. Is science right?” (Pg. 17-18)
He continues, “Skeptical scholars have claimed that they do not need to look at the Ancient Alien Question, because [Erich] von Däniken has been proven wrong. The [cite] certain sites, like Peru’s famous Nazca lines… which were hardly explored by scientists at the time von Däniken brought them to global attention. ‘Could it be an ancient airport?’ von Däniken pondered… [He] forced science to come up with an answer. Though the answer revealed that the Nazca lines were NOT the product of an alien civilization or intervention, the investigation did radically alter science’s understanding of this region and the local civilization, discovering that it was far more advanced than previously assumed.” (Pg. 19-20)
He notes, “One of [Zechariah Sitchin’s] most vociferous critics is Michael Heiser… One key term in Sitchin’s theories was the word ‘MU,’ which he defined as ‘an oval-topped, conical object,’ and ‘that which rises straight,’ from which he concluded that it was a space probe, used by alien astronauts… However, the Mesopotamian lexical lists define the word as ‘heaven’ and sometimes ‘rain’---at odds with Sitchin’s interpretation… Heiser… queried whether Sitchin could ‘produce a single text that says the Anunnaki come from the planet Nibiru---or that Nibiru is a planet beyond Pluto?... Please show me any evidence from the Sumerian texts themselves that the Anunnaki have any connection to Nibiru or a 12th planet…’ Sitchin never answered or addressed the problems raised by Heiser, likely because he was unable to.” (Pg. 52-53) He continues, “Sitchin’s main problem … will always be astronomy… with today’s high-powered telescopes… we should have been able to see this [12th] planet… in recent years, Sitchin and his … followers began to claim there was a worldwide cover-up and conspiracy to keep … this planet a secret… because Sitchin had a very specific theory… the short answer is that there IS no such planet. Sitchin is wrong. And because of the manner in which Sitchin … constructed his theory, in an all-or-nothing approach, Sitchin is TOTALLY wrong.” (Pg. 54-55)
Of Robert Temple’s book ‘The Sirius Mystery,’ he states, “The book’s reputation was first dented … when Lynn Picknett and Clive Prince published ‘The Stargate Conspiracy,’ in which they allege that Temple’s thinking had been heavily influenced by his mentor, Arthur M. Young… Temple was very keen to please his mentor, who himself believed in extraterrestrial beings from Sirius.” (Pg. 57)
He observes, “taken as a whole, it is clear that the Bible does suggest that something strange was going on: There are numerous, quite straightforward references to giant beings living in Canaan, which the incoming Israelites had to fight and defeat before they could reclaim the land. The Israelites names these creatures ‘Nephilim,’ and it is clear that wherever they came from, they were clearly not ‘human,’ as in Homo sapiens. As a whole, Jewish and other legends spoke of how these beings were linked with the gods. The central questions is: Were they Gods, or gods?” (Pg. 80)
He reports, “Scientists argue that none of the crystal skulls were found during an archaeological excavation… apart from the so-called Mitchell-Hedges Crystal Skull, which was mentioned in ‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.’ Of all the crystal skulls, this is---rightfully or not---seen as the most intricate and is … the most controversial. ‘Believers’ see it as the one crystal skull that is impossible to have been made by human hands---leaving only one possibility: that the skull was made by a non-terrestrial intelligence.” (Pg. 131) Later, he adds, “In the case of the Mitchell-Hedges skull and some others, it is clear they were not made by a technology we know and their origins have to be found in a lost or unknown---if not alien---civilization.” (Pg. 139)
He recounts, “In 1973, Erich con Däniken… claimed that he had entered into a gigantic subterranean tunnel system in Ecuador, which he was told spanned the length of the continent. Surely this was evidence that our ancestors were highly advanced, or … extraterrestrial?... In 1972, [Janos ‘Juan’] Moricz met with von Däniken and took him to what Moricz claimed was a secret side-entrance… within the underground complex… Then… Journalists … interviewed Moricz, who now denied ever being in the cave with von Däniken… Now Moricz claimed to have seen the caves, having been led there by a guide whom he could not identify, but denied having taken von Däniken there. The logical conclusion seems to be that Moricz had shown something to von Däniken … and had to make sure that whoever had shown him did not bear any grudges against him… no doubt because Moricz … would most likely have been asked not to shows anyone else the site.” (Pg. 166)
He summarizes, “There is a general unwillingness from the scientific community to go out and find or analyze evidence of an alien presence on planet Earth, and … [we] should maybe be … asking instead whether science … will ever accept ANY evidence in favor of the Ancient Alien Question… It might indeed take an extraterrestrial being to land on the lawn of the White House before we accept the presence of a hon-human intelligence... after having landed… ET needs to tell us whether his people ever visited us in the past… However, if we look at all the archaeological and legendary evidence available, it is clear that the question… is not a spurious question to ask… it depends on where your threshold of BELIEF lies.. There should be a consensus parameter… Science, however is not a democracy. I leave it to the jury… to draw its own conclusion.” (Pg. 219-220)
He reports, “As quickly as the Martian Face became popular, it disappeared. The Mars Global Surveyor probe … and the Mars Odyssey probe in 2002 photographed the ‘Face’ under completely different lighting… and at much higher resolution. The new photographs made the structure now look very little like a face, although for some observers, this was ‘clear proof’ either that the images had been doctored, or that … Earth’s powers… had bombed the Martian surface… to destroy evidence of the extraterrestrial civilization.” (Pg. 239)
He summarizes, “Wherever we turn, we are confronted with legends of ‘star ancestors’ … otherworldly, extraterrestrial entities … that helped up on our path of civilization… Whatever you call this intelligence, they are the Ancient Aliens. They are not evidence of a PHYSICAL contact with an ancient alien… but they are definitive evidence that our ancestors were in contact---repeatedly---with a nonhuman, alien, extraterrestrial intelligence… Whatever name we give them---‘Gods,’ ‘Watchers,’ or ‘Angels’… we find them as the intelligences for which the most extraordinary monuments were built… So ‘Yes’ is the answer to the Ancient Alien Question. We Were Not Alone… It seems ‘they’ are still here.” (Pg. 282)
He concludes, “In my opinion, most Ancient Alien Theories have failed in finding proof because their scope was too limited, and the answer they were after was erroneous… such physical contact was probably sporadic at best. But … it is clear that civilization was indeed guided by … a nonhuman, extraterrestrial intelligence… But… the answer goes far beyond a simple yes… The key here is the consensus reality: what we all agree to BELIEVE… it is my hope… that in these pages… you have the necessary building blocks that will allow you to decide whether YOU believe. I have shown you the process as to why I BELIEVE the answer is yes…” (Pg. 287-289)
This book will be of keen interest to those studying ‘Ancient Alien’ theories.
Author Philip Coppens wrote in the Introduction to this 2012 book, “Have we been visited by extraterrestrial beings in the past? Did these ‘ancient aliens’ contribute to the birth of human civilization? Do our ancient monuments contain evidence of their presence?... there is still tremendous popular interest in this ‘Ancient Alien Question.’ The television series ‘Ancient Aliens’ is continuously rated as The History Channel’s most watched documentary. What was originally conceived as a two-hour special grew into a phenomenon that saw more seasons added, each with more shows than it had before. But despite media and public interest, the phrase ‘ancient aliens’ remains taboo within the scientific community, Whether or not we were along in the human adventure that was early civilization is a question that is still not answered, or even addressed. The closest topic explored by science is the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI), executed by a handful of radio astronomers… [but] it is perceived to be a niche discipline. Even so, SETI merely investigates whether there are extraterrestrial civilizations somewhere out there… It is far less controversial than the Ancient Alien Question, about which science states that it knows that there were no alien interventions in the past. Is science right?” (Pg. 17-18)
He continues, “Skeptical scholars have claimed that they do not need to look at the Ancient Alien Question, because [Erich] von Däniken has been proven wrong. The [cite] certain sites, like Peru’s famous Nazca lines… which were hardly explored by scientists at the time von Däniken brought them to global attention. ‘Could it be an ancient airport?’ von Däniken pondered… [He] forced science to come up with an answer. Though the answer revealed that the Nazca lines were NOT the product of an alien civilization or intervention, the investigation did radically alter science’s understanding of this region and the local civilization, discovering that it was far more advanced than previously assumed.” (Pg. 19-20)
He notes, “One of [Zechariah Sitchin’s] most vociferous critics is Michael Heiser… One key term in Sitchin’s theories was the word ‘MU,’ which he defined as ‘an oval-topped, conical object,’ and ‘that which rises straight,’ from which he concluded that it was a space probe, used by alien astronauts… However, the Mesopotamian lexical lists define the word as ‘heaven’ and sometimes ‘rain’---at odds with Sitchin’s interpretation… Heiser… queried whether Sitchin could ‘produce a single text that says the Anunnaki come from the planet Nibiru---or that Nibiru is a planet beyond Pluto?... Please show me any evidence from the Sumerian texts themselves that the Anunnaki have any connection to Nibiru or a 12th planet…’ Sitchin never answered or addressed the problems raised by Heiser, likely because he was unable to.” (Pg. 52-53) He continues, “Sitchin’s main problem … will always be astronomy… with today’s high-powered telescopes… we should have been able to see this [12th] planet… in recent years, Sitchin and his … followers began to claim there was a worldwide cover-up and conspiracy to keep … this planet a secret… because Sitchin had a very specific theory… the short answer is that there IS no such planet. Sitchin is wrong. And because of the manner in which Sitchin … constructed his theory, in an all-or-nothing approach, Sitchin is TOTALLY wrong.” (Pg. 54-55)
Of Robert Temple’s book ‘The Sirius Mystery,’ he states, “The book’s reputation was first dented … when Lynn Picknett and Clive Prince published ‘The Stargate Conspiracy,’ in which they allege that Temple’s thinking had been heavily influenced by his mentor, Arthur M. Young… Temple was very keen to please his mentor, who himself believed in extraterrestrial beings from Sirius.” (Pg. 57)
He observes, “taken as a whole, it is clear that the Bible does suggest that something strange was going on: There are numerous, quite straightforward references to giant beings living in Canaan, which the incoming Israelites had to fight and defeat before they could reclaim the land. The Israelites names these creatures ‘Nephilim,’ and it is clear that wherever they came from, they were clearly not ‘human,’ as in Homo sapiens. As a whole, Jewish and other legends spoke of how these beings were linked with the gods. The central questions is: Were they Gods, or gods?” (Pg. 80)
He reports, “Scientists argue that none of the crystal skulls were found during an archaeological excavation… apart from the so-called Mitchell-Hedges Crystal Skull, which was mentioned in ‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.’ Of all the crystal skulls, this is---rightfully or not---seen as the most intricate and is … the most controversial. ‘Believers’ see it as the one crystal skull that is impossible to have been made by human hands---leaving only one possibility: that the skull was made by a non-terrestrial intelligence.” (Pg. 131) Later, he adds, “In the case of the Mitchell-Hedges skull and some others, it is clear they were not made by a technology we know and their origins have to be found in a lost or unknown---if not alien---civilization.” (Pg. 139)
He recounts, “In 1973, Erich con Däniken… claimed that he had entered into a gigantic subterranean tunnel system in Ecuador, which he was told spanned the length of the continent. Surely this was evidence that our ancestors were highly advanced, or … extraterrestrial?... In 1972, [Janos ‘Juan’] Moricz met with von Däniken and took him to what Moricz claimed was a secret side-entrance… within the underground complex… Then… Journalists … interviewed Moricz, who now denied ever being in the cave with von Däniken… Now Moricz claimed to have seen the caves, having been led there by a guide whom he could not identify, but denied having taken von Däniken there. The logical conclusion seems to be that Moricz had shown something to von Däniken … and had to make sure that whoever had shown him did not bear any grudges against him… no doubt because Moricz … would most likely have been asked not to shows anyone else the site.” (Pg. 166)
He summarizes, “There is a general unwillingness from the scientific community to go out and find or analyze evidence of an alien presence on planet Earth, and … [we] should maybe be … asking instead whether science … will ever accept ANY evidence in favor of the Ancient Alien Question… It might indeed take an extraterrestrial being to land on the lawn of the White House before we accept the presence of a hon-human intelligence... after having landed… ET needs to tell us whether his people ever visited us in the past… However, if we look at all the archaeological and legendary evidence available, it is clear that the question… is not a spurious question to ask… it depends on where your threshold of BELIEF lies.. There should be a consensus parameter… Science, however is not a democracy. I leave it to the jury… to draw its own conclusion.” (Pg. 219-220)
He reports, “As quickly as the Martian Face became popular, it disappeared. The Mars Global Surveyor probe … and the Mars Odyssey probe in 2002 photographed the ‘Face’ under completely different lighting… and at much higher resolution. The new photographs made the structure now look very little like a face, although for some observers, this was ‘clear proof’ either that the images had been doctored, or that … Earth’s powers… had bombed the Martian surface… to destroy evidence of the extraterrestrial civilization.” (Pg. 239)
He summarizes, “Wherever we turn, we are confronted with legends of ‘star ancestors’ … otherworldly, extraterrestrial entities … that helped up on our path of civilization… Whatever you call this intelligence, they are the Ancient Aliens. They are not evidence of a PHYSICAL contact with an ancient alien… but they are definitive evidence that our ancestors were in contact---repeatedly---with a nonhuman, alien, extraterrestrial intelligence… Whatever name we give them---‘Gods,’ ‘Watchers,’ or ‘Angels’… we find them as the intelligences for which the most extraordinary monuments were built… So ‘Yes’ is the answer to the Ancient Alien Question. We Were Not Alone… It seems ‘they’ are still here.” (Pg. 282)
He concludes, “In my opinion, most Ancient Alien Theories have failed in finding proof because their scope was too limited, and the answer they were after was erroneous… such physical contact was probably sporadic at best. But … it is clear that civilization was indeed guided by … a nonhuman, extraterrestrial intelligence… But… the answer goes far beyond a simple yes… The key here is the consensus reality: what we all agree to BELIEVE… it is my hope… that in these pages… you have the necessary building blocks that will allow you to decide whether YOU believe. I have shown you the process as to why I BELIEVE the answer is yes…” (Pg. 287-289)
This book will be of keen interest to those studying ‘Ancient Alien’ theories.
July 15, 2012
Coppens builds his case well, presenting interesting, intriguing evidence to support the idea that humanity has been in contact with extraterrestrial intelligences in the past while also pointing out problems with some of the evidence presented in support of this premise in the past. It seems clear from this book that while Coppens is frequently seen on the popular Ancient Aliens TV series, he is more level-headed than some of the other researchers on the show. For example, he takes the rather "out there" theories of author Zechariah Sitchin to task.
I thought the primary focus of The Ancient Alien Question was to emphasize the importance of asking the question itself and that it's OKAY to ask the question. Coppens has clearly come across those who think otherwise and one of the downsides of the book is the disdain he occasionally displays, in a generalized way, toward scientists and archaeologists. He doesn't get carried away with it and it's not a universal disdain, since he actually discusses the work of both scientists and archaeologists in a positive light at times.
The book delves into mysteries regarding the way certain ancient structures were built, alternative explanations for the purpose of those structures, evidence that ancient cultures may have possessed technology and/or knowledge beyond what they are currently credited with possessing, and so on. In later chapters, the author also delves into evidence that may indicate non-physical contact, like channeling (which I've always found very dubious) and contact with non-human intelligences established through the use of psychedelic substances by shamanic cultures.
Coppens isn't a great stylist by any means but he writes clearly and concisely and I found the book fascinating. Ultimately, unlike the author, I don't think the evidence is sufficient to definitively answer the big question the book poses, but it is mysterious and thought-provoking. Like the aforementioned Ancient Aliens TV show, whether you agree with some of the conclusions the book draws or not, it will expose you to ancient mysteries well worth considering.
I thought the primary focus of The Ancient Alien Question was to emphasize the importance of asking the question itself and that it's OKAY to ask the question. Coppens has clearly come across those who think otherwise and one of the downsides of the book is the disdain he occasionally displays, in a generalized way, toward scientists and archaeologists. He doesn't get carried away with it and it's not a universal disdain, since he actually discusses the work of both scientists and archaeologists in a positive light at times.
The book delves into mysteries regarding the way certain ancient structures were built, alternative explanations for the purpose of those structures, evidence that ancient cultures may have possessed technology and/or knowledge beyond what they are currently credited with possessing, and so on. In later chapters, the author also delves into evidence that may indicate non-physical contact, like channeling (which I've always found very dubious) and contact with non-human intelligences established through the use of psychedelic substances by shamanic cultures.
Coppens isn't a great stylist by any means but he writes clearly and concisely and I found the book fascinating. Ultimately, unlike the author, I don't think the evidence is sufficient to definitively answer the big question the book poses, but it is mysterious and thought-provoking. Like the aforementioned Ancient Aliens TV show, whether you agree with some of the conclusions the book draws or not, it will expose you to ancient mysteries well worth considering.
December 21, 2020
A fun read on all of the intriguing and baffling structures and artifacts that defy explanation. It's a good survey of how this approach to these mysteries got started. To my surprise they started much earlier than Von Danikan's "Chariots of the Gods" though he ended up injecting the theory into public consciousness back in the late 60s.
The book is as much as survey of archeology as it is on the possibility of aliens. For that along it's worth a read and acts as a refresher course for the works of Hancock, Schoch, Bauval and others.
The great success of books like is they take a very dry subject, archeology, and get the wider public interested.
The author favors the theory that the 'alien' experience comes from the use of drugs that permits one to peer into DNA and is dismissive of other theories. He was too dismissive of the Cydonia or the "face" on Mars. No matter what angle the plateau is viewed at it maintains it's highly symmetric shield-like structure with the transverse straight line where the arc of the top of the 'shield' intersects the side.
The author should have addressed the Saturn moon, Iapetus. Things have been detected there that defy explanation.
The book is as much as survey of archeology as it is on the possibility of aliens. For that along it's worth a read and acts as a refresher course for the works of Hancock, Schoch, Bauval and others.
The great success of books like is they take a very dry subject, archeology, and get the wider public interested.
The author favors the theory that the 'alien' experience comes from the use of drugs that permits one to peer into DNA and is dismissive of other theories. He was too dismissive of the Cydonia or the "face" on Mars. No matter what angle the plateau is viewed at it maintains it's highly symmetric shield-like structure with the transverse straight line where the arc of the top of the 'shield' intersects the side.
The author should have addressed the Saturn moon, Iapetus. Things have been detected there that defy explanation.
December 13, 2012
Quite a nice addition to the Ancient Alien genera. I like most how the author didn't say that the evidence he posted was proof that aliens existed and visited our planet, he left it as an open question, merely stating that this is why he believed.
I was also happy to see that he not only brought up stuff that hasn't been refuted or another option stated, but stuff that had been disproved. Many of the authors, and guest on History Channels Ancient Aliens will often state emphatically that this obscure half smudged cave painting was undeniable proof that aliens have visited our ancestors and that no other opinion on the matter was relevant. Philip Coppens kept it fairly neutral and acknowledged the other possibilities, and in some instances acknowledged the ancient alien hypotheses does not apply because of this or that.
Maybe the best book to talk about the Ancient Aliens/Astronaut Question without saying its the only option.
I was also happy to see that he not only brought up stuff that hasn't been refuted or another option stated, but stuff that had been disproved. Many of the authors, and guest on History Channels Ancient Aliens will often state emphatically that this obscure half smudged cave painting was undeniable proof that aliens have visited our ancestors and that no other opinion on the matter was relevant. Philip Coppens kept it fairly neutral and acknowledged the other possibilities, and in some instances acknowledged the ancient alien hypotheses does not apply because of this or that.
Maybe the best book to talk about the Ancient Aliens/Astronaut Question without saying its the only option.
February 1, 2017
Philip Coppens delved into the quest for the origin of our species. Mark Childer's Technology of the Gods was a good counterpart for this book. Work, from around the world, especially Erick von Daniken's and Zecharia Sitchin's set contemporary contexts for the reader's interpretation of ancient puzzles. The Ancient Alien Question discussed evident gaps in mainstream history and their alien or supernatural alternatives. Explanations included references to ancient tools, literature, landmarks, and practices. Plenty of hypothetical language appeared, and the literature kept the reality of an alien origin for future determination. Coppens' idea was mainly the presentation of alternative theories for investigation. Bias went unstated and commanded a neutral study. Drawinism and creationism first polarized the subject of human origins. The introduction of extraterrestrial human origins more recently drew attention through this type of literature and media channels such as the History Channel.
October 20, 2017
Очень дельная книжка, как ни странно: автор, журналист-расследователь широкого профиля (что несколько подрывает доверие, но не очень, потому что он не выпендривается) просто каталогизирует и разбирает весь букварь Общества древних астронавтов с учетом трендов науки последних десятилетий. Для кого-то и такой анализ, конечно, будет радикальной ебаниной, но он все же старается подходить к вопросам палеоконтактов не так бескомпромиссно, как авторы-фантазеры, вроде Дэникена. ��ля него метафизические контакты (включая полученные посредством того, что принято называть галлюциногенами) так же реальны, как и физическое присутствие «богов» на поверхности земной коры. В общем, я бы решил, что это полезное и обязательное чтение для всех психонавтов.
p.s. дополнительное чтение в продолжение наших штудий: вот критика (http://trv-science.ru/2017/10/10/o-so...) и ответ на нее (https://indicator.ru/article/2017/10/...)
p.s. дополнительное чтение в продолжение наших штудий: вот критика (http://trv-science.ru/2017/10/10/o-so...) и ответ на нее (https://indicator.ru/article/2017/10/...)
January 6, 2018
Anyone who is a fan of Ancient Aliens is familiar with Philip Coppens. The Belgium born author appeared on many episodes. Several were posthumous after his premature death. He died from a rare form of cancer on December 30, 2012. He wrote several books and contributed articles and essays for various publications. A year before his death he published his greatest contribution to alternative history. Or the ancient alien theory. Erich von Daniken’s Chariots of the Gods? might be the most famous book on the subject as it brought these ideas to the mainstream, but Coppens effort is every bit as important...
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To read the rest of this review go to https://drewmartinwrites.wordpress.co...
July 22, 2012
By far the best book anyone can read on the subject. Coppens is the only researcher so far that I know of who uses complete citations and bibliography to show his sources. He is also not afraid to show evidence that disproves his or his peers in the ancient alien field. The book covers a lot of the different theories regarding ancient aliens and/or previous human technology, and the information is presented in an unbiased way to show the reader what educated professionals have found and let the reader decide what to make of it. This field and the popular tv shows are filled with fantastic claims and little evidence, and Coppens does the exact opposite here.
January 4, 2013
I think the reason I enjoyed this book so much was Coppens' "Occam's razor" approach to a wide range of theories and speculations. Given a pragmatic view of religious texts, scientific studies, cultural parables, manmade wonders of the world, and both recent and historical charismatic proponents and opponents of the alien question, it seems at least a tiny bit silly to suppose that we are, and always have been, loners in the universe. I can't say that I come down on either side of the fence with clarity on the issue, but is it plausible to think that neolithic man quarried and moved 1,000-ton stones with precision and accuracy when we have trouble with this even today? Well, you decide.
April 20, 2014
A shame he passed so young.
Philip was neither a UFO fanatic nor a skeptical debunker of all incidents. I did enjoy his ability to refute some of the more outlandish claims of some believers (I am thinking of the 12th planet gang)and yet he does believe that some of the ancients were telling truths of what they saw. His knowledge is impressive for a fairly short book. He finally makes a strong claim for the metaphysical more than the physical.
I am most reminded of a book by Colin Wilson called The Occult: A History.
I would recommend the book for most intelligent people who must at least face the question "How did we get here".
Philip was neither a UFO fanatic nor a skeptical debunker of all incidents. I did enjoy his ability to refute some of the more outlandish claims of some believers (I am thinking of the 12th planet gang)and yet he does believe that some of the ancients were telling truths of what they saw. His knowledge is impressive for a fairly short book. He finally makes a strong claim for the metaphysical more than the physical.
I am most reminded of a book by Colin Wilson called The Occult: A History.
I would recommend the book for most intelligent people who must at least face the question "How did we get here".
June 2, 2016
An analytical survey of all the popular Ancient Alien theories since "Chariot of the Gods" was first published. The author is at times very critical, and at other times very forgiving, so one is never quite sure of the author's position on the topic until the very end. The book does a very good job of including everyone, from the scientists to the absolute kooks. By the time you finish the book your head is swimming with so many ideas and theories on the subject that you realize that if there is any truth to this issue, it will be forever hidden in the "noise" out there that clouds the real facts.
January 14, 2013
This book really had a lot going for it. I felt the author was doing a very good job of exploring some very interesting archaeological avenues to the question of ancient alien visitation. Then just towards the end we start to skid out of control. Here we encounter the Egyptian Nine and several other theories of mind altering substances that allow our minds to transport off and connect with E.T.'s. Okay, so at that point I began to lose some interest in the book. Other than this transgression I did find the book very interesting.
April 20, 2016
I listened to the book CD and it is very well narrated. The book is very well researched with a strong grounding in ancient myth, archeology, anthropology, and historical traditions. Blind acceptance of urban legend is not a problem as the author has taken a relatively rigorous approach. I have special appreciation for the well founded discussion regarding shamanic traditions and the associated psychoactive compounds. I highly recommend this as thought provoking with enough substance for a very enjoyable and worthwhile listening or reading experience.
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