Magicians of the Gods

Magicians of the Gods - Book Cover

Magicians of the Gods: The Forgotten Wisdom of Earth's Lost Civilization is a book authored by Graham Hancock, a British writer and journalist known for his unconventional theories about ancient civilizations, archaeology, and mythology. Published in 2015, the book serves as a sequel to Hancock's earlier work, Fingerprints of the Gods (1995), and further explores his hypothesis of a prehistoric advanced civilization that was lost to history.

Synopsis

Magicians of the Gods delves into Hancock's investigation of various archaeological sites, ancient myths, and geological evidence that, according to him, suggest the existence of an advanced civilization predating known history. Hancock argues that a cataclysmic event, possibly a comet impact around 12,800 years ago during the Younger Dryas period, led to the near extinction of this civilization. He suggests that survivors of this lost civilization, the "magicians of the gods," traveled the world in an effort to preserve their knowledge, contributing to the building of known ancient sites such as Göbekli Tepe in Turkey, Stonehenge in the United Kingdom, and the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt.

Critical Reception

The book has received a mixed reception from critics. Supporters find Hancock's narrative compelling and thought-provoking, praising his detailed research and adventurous spirit in questioning mainstream archaeological and historical perspectives. Critics, however, often dismiss Hancock's theories as pseudoscience, arguing that his interpretations of evidence are speculative and not supported by credible academic research in archaeology and history.

Impact

Despite the controversy, Magicians of the Gods has enjoyed commercial success and has contributed to popular discussions on alternative histories and ancient mysteries. Hancock's work has influenced both public interest in and skepticism towards the idea of lost civilizations and the true age of known ancient structures. His theories have also sparked debates on the methods and openness of the scientific community to new interpretations of the past.

See Also

• Fingerprints of the Gods
• Göbekli Tepe
• Younger Dryas
• Pseudoscience in archaeology
• Catastrophism