But maybe there are.
The stories detailed by Scofield in chapter 60 about "god-like" people interacting with cultures around the world are true, as are the inexplicable artifacts found and the story of what Columbus was shown. Even more amazing are the image and inscription from Hathor Temple in Egypt (chapter 84), which clearly show something extraordinary. Sadly, though, Scofield's observation that 90 percent of the ancient world's knowledge will never be known is potentially true. Which means we may never have a definitive answer to this fascinating inquiry.
Locating the first civilization in Antarctica (chapters 72, 85, and 86) was my idea, as are the civilization's knowledge and limited technology (chapters 72 and 81). I didn't visit Antarctica (it's definitely at the top of my Must-See list), but its beauty and danger are faithfully reported using firsthand accounts. Halvorsen Base (chapter 62) is fictitious, but the cold-weather gear Malone and company don is real (chapter 76). The politics of the Antarctic continent (chapter 76), with its various international treaties and unique cooperative rules, remains complex. The area where Malone explores (chapter 84) is indeed controlled by Norway, and some texts note that it is designated as off limits for supposed environmental reasons. The underwater sequences with Ramsey are taken from those who have dove those pristine waters. The dry valleys (chapter 84) exist, though they're generally confined to the southern portion of the continent. The preserving and destructive effects of absolute cold on human bodies are accurately portrayed (chapters 90 and 91). Ice, by Mariana Gosnell, is an excellent account of these phenomena.
Aachen cathedral (chapters 34, 36, 38, and 42) is well worth a visit. The Book of Revelation played a key role in its design, and the building remains one of the last from Charlemagne's time still standing. Of course, my interjection of the Holy Ones into its history is simply part of this story.
The Latin inscription inside the chapel (chapter 38) is from Charlemagne's time and is reproduced exactly. While counting every twelfth word I discovered that only three words would be revealed, the last count stopping at number eleven. Then, amazingly, the three words formed a recognizable phrase-Brightness of God.
Charlemagne's throne does indeed have a Nine Men's Morris board etched into its side (chapter 38). How and why it's there, nobody knows. The game was played in Roman and Carolingian times, and is still played today.
The Charlemagne pursuit, with all of its various clues, including Einhard's will, are my invention. Ossau, France (chapter 51), and the abbey (chapter 54) are concocted, but Bertrand is based on a real abbot who lived in that area.
Fort Lee (chapter 45) is real, though the warehouse and refrigerated compartment are not. I've recently acquired an iPhone, so Malone had to have one, too. All of the peculiar investigations conducted by the US government during the Cold War into paranormal and extraterrestrial phenomena (chapter 26) happened. I simply added one more.
Biltmore Estate (chapters 58, 59, and 66) is one of my favorite places, especially at Christmastime. The inn, mansion, village, hotel, and grounds are accurately portrayed. Of course, the Ancient Mysteries Revealed Conference does not exist, but it is based on a variety of real gatherings.
The Piri Reis map and other portolans (chapter 41) are real, and each one raises a host of perplexing questions. Maps of the Ancient Sea Kings, by Charles Hapgood, is regarded as the definitive work on this subject. The prime meridian debate happened as described (chapter 41), and Greenwich was arbitrarily chosen. Using the Giza pyramid as zero longitude (chapter 71), though, does produce some fascinating connections with sacred sites around the globe. The megalithic yard (chapter 71) is another interesting concept that rationally explains similarities engineers have long noticed at ancient construction sites. But proof of its existence has not, as yet, been established.
This story poses some interesting possibilities. Not of a mythical Atlantis with surreal engineering and fantastic technology, but instead the simple idea that we may not have been the first to achieve intellectual consciousness. Perhaps there were others whose existence is simply unknown, their history and fate extinguished, lost among the 90 percent of ancient knowledge we may never recover.
Far-fetched? Impossible?
How many times have the so-called experts been proven wrong?
Lao-tzu, the great Chinese philosopher who lived 2,700 years ago and is still regarded as one of humankind's most brilliant thinkers, may have known best when he wrote:
The Ancient Masters were subtle, mysterious, profound, responsive.
The depth of their knowledge is unfathomable.
Because it is unfathomable, all we can do is describe their appearance. Watchful, like men crossing a winter stream. Alert, like men aware of danger. Courteous, like visiting guests. Yielding, like ice about to melt. Simple, like uncarved blocks of wood.