Ancient Mysteries

9 reviews for Ancient Mysteries

1. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Amazon Customer – December 15, 2016

   
   very good deal

2. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Thoughtful reader – October 24, 2012

   
   I had bought this book a while ago but not had time to sit down to read it. I am glad I finally did. It is a very well-documented and carefully balanced examination of many issues in archeology. As a non-expert, I found the treatment and the language very user-friendly, unlike other books where authors use terms without defining them. I have learned much from this book and really appreciate the authors’ combined expertise and balanced approach. I know some reviewers have found errors or omissions but these are minimal when balanced against the gains to a novice reader. It’s a great book to read straight through, or to dip into by chapter or topic. This is due to the excellent internal referencing by the authors to related chapters and themes.

3. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Sauniere – May 30, 2011

   
   This is a great book, one of my favourites. Its well written, easy to read and fascinating. For anyone interested in mysteries of the ancient world i recommend it.

4. 

   Rated 1 out of 5

   H. A. Weedon – October 11, 2009

   
   A more poorly rearched and ineptly reasoned book would be hard to find. To give just one example of its slapdash approach: in dealing with great floods the authors never once mention the Epic of Gilgamesh. Worse still, over and over again the authors treat myths and legends as if they were factual accounts waiting to be proved. Research of this kind has been far better accomplished elsewhere.

5. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Mike W. – November 29, 2023

   A really good book on some of history’s unanswered questions
   This is a great book that disproves (and sometimes confirms) a lot of the more esoteric historical/archaeological theories.

6. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Tea Explorer – November 29, 2000

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

7. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   JZS – August 14, 2012

   Educational, interesting and enjoyable but needs updating.
   One of the most enjoyable books I’ve read this year. I’ve purchased or sampled numerous trivia, history and science books recently (just what has interested me lately) and this is among the best. Covers a vast range of topics from Mars to Amazons including subjects with which I was unfamiliar (Ley lines.)The book is well written and well researched. It is also very detailed which can be a little tedious if you don’t find the subject that interesting (ley lines again).My only real problem with the book, and the reason for four instead of five stars, is that it needs to be updated. It was published in the late ’90s and not only are some of the Mars issues out-of-date/clarified (i.e., the Mars “face”), many of the archeological sites mentioned have made new findings since the book was published. Knowing that what you are reading is missing currently available information diminishes enjoyment of the book.My other issue- not related to the book- is the publisher’s Kindle price. There are numerous photographs and drawings which add much to the book but do not translate well on Kindle. This in addition to the out-of-date status makes the high Kindle price hard to swallow. You will probably be more satisfied if you can find a discounted hard copy.

8. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   F. Diiorio – August 2, 2000

   Excellent!
   I picked this book up because I’ve always loved reading about these things and although the mysterious things keep people reading, it’s very refreshing to have something substantiated on the various subject topics. I also like the way the authors build up to the most logical answer – they put out all of the past beliefs then gradually dispell most of it with recent factual information (and common sense!). I’m in the middle of the book but so far my favorite parts are the ones on Ancient Egypt. I absolutley recommend it. And the reading pace is great too – (not too intense).

9. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Ken Brown – February 17, 2011

   Informed scientific explanations
   Loving this book. Mystery by mystery is presented in an informed manner. No crazy speculation here. These authors obviously stick by the rules and do not go outside the box when it comes to explaining the worlds mysteries.