The Dogon tribe in Mali possesses knowledge about the invisible star Sirius B, sparking curiosity about the source of this information.
The Sphinx in Egypt contains a secret tunnel used as an oracle site and a chamber beneath it, challenging traditional theories and limiting further exploration.
Alternative theories suggest that the pyramids in Giza were cast using limestone rubble and cement, presenting a potentially more efficient method of construction.
Deep dives
The Dogon tribe and their knowledge of Sirius B
The Dogon tribe, based in Mali, is known for their unique religious and cultural beliefs centered around the star Sirius. They believe in the existence of a second star, Sirius B, which has an orbital period of about 50 years. What makes this remarkable is that Sirius B is not visible to the naked eye and is difficult to observe even with an optical telescope due to the blinding light of the larger star Sirius. The knowledge of Sirius B's orbit by the Dogon tribe, despite its invisibility, intrigued researchers and raised questions about how they acquired this information.
The Sphinx's mysterious tunnel and chamber
The Sphinx in Egypt has long been a subject of fascination and speculation. One intriguing aspect is the presence of a tunnel inside the Sphinx's body. This tunnel was used as a secret passage for priests to crawl through and speak from the Sphinx's head, making it an oracle site during Ptolemaic times. Additionally, there is a chamber beneath the Sphinx, which was intruded at a later date, where hieroglyphs were found, suggesting it was used as a tomb. However, the chamber and the tunnel were largely filled in with concrete, limiting further exploration.
The construction of the pyramids
The construction of the pyramids, particularly the ones in Giza, has long been a subject of debate and speculation. The prevailing theory is that the pyramids were built using massive limestone blocks, which were transported and stacked using ramps and thousands of workers. However, there is an alternative theory proposed by Joseph Davidovitz, a chemistry professor, that the blocks were actually cast using a form of limestone rubble and cement. This technique would have involved pouring the cast mixture into molds and allowing it to harden over time. This theory challenges the traditional view and suggests a potentially more efficient method of pyramid construction.
The identity of the face on the Sphinx
The face on the Sphinx has long been a subject of study and speculation. It has been believed by some that the face represents Pharaoh Khafre or Pharaoh Khufu, given the proximity of the pyramids to the Sphinx. However, Robert Temple, an author and scholar, offers a different perspective. He suggests that the original face of the Sphinx was that of a crouching Anubis, the guardian of the sacred necropolis. Over time, the face was recarved to resemble a Pharaoh, possibly Amenemhat II of the Middle Kingdom. This interpretation is based on comparisons between surviving statues and depictions of ancient deities.
The influence of ancient Egyptian wisdom on other cultures
Ancient Egyptian culture has had a profound impact on other civilizations and their spiritual traditions. Many academics believe that Egyptian wisdom influenced numerous belief systems, including Judaism and Christianity. The precise extent of this influence and the specific cultural and religious elements borrowed are still topics of debate. The intricate connections between ancient Egypt and other cultures highlight the far-reaching influence and enduring legacy of Egyptian civilization.
Prepare to re-evaluate everything you thought you knew about these ancient monuments, and so much more! Author, professor, deep researcher and self-proclaimed “arch skeptic of traditional thinking” Robert Temple shares his provocative reinterpretations of how and why they came to be, and how they’ve been used—and abused—at various times in history. Discrepancies in dating are often ignored, and manipulation or misinterpretation of new evidence protects ancient Egyptology's status quo. The pyramids at Giza are said to have been built by slaves using ropes and ramps to haul tons of massive rock that came from many miles away. Our guest says no, and offers his theory. How can stones be carved to fit together so exactly that a blade cannot be wedged between them? Whose face is on the conspicuously small head of the Sphinx... and who, or what, was the Sphinx modeled on, originally? Ancient civilizations often practiced deception to protect their discoveries, inventions and goods. How ancient, amazingly perfect "Viking lenses” made with crystal-carving technology ruffled the establishment years later. The riddle of Atlantis and how the pre-dating megalithic culture may be involved. Phoenicians—the first successful arms dealers? And what about the West African Dogon Tribe’s mysterious cosmology involving a visitor from the distant, invisible star, Sirius B? These are mere samples of ancient mysteries we spotlight in this thought-provoking episode. Our conversation continues in Part 2. Robert Temple has authored more than a dozen books, including the international best-seller, The Sirius Mystery, and the most recent, A Science of Heaven. He has done archeological dating work and intensive exploration of closed sites in Egypt with the permission of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities. Robert is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, and an abiding member of the Egypt Exploration Society and numerous other academic societies. His research into historical accounts of the Sphinx is the first comprehensive survey ever undertaken.
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