Technology of the Gods: The Incredible Sciences of the Ancients

by David Hatcher Childress

Popular Lost Cities author David Childress opens the door to the amazing world of ancient technology, from the computers of the ancient world to the "flying machines of the gods." Technology of the Gods explores the technology that was allegedly used in Atlantis and the theory that the Great Pyramid of Egypt was originally a gigantic power station. Childress also uncovers many other mysteries, including: * the technology of ancient flight * how the ancients used electricity * megalithic building techniques * the use of crystal lenses and the fire from the gods * ancient evidence of high-tech weapons, including atomic weapons * the role of modern inventors, such as Nikola Tesla, in bringing ancient technology into modern use * impossible artifacts, and more, much more. Childress has done it again! From beginning to end, Technology of the Gods is filled with facts, keen observations and tales that challenge modern assumptions in a humorous, intelligent and compelling way that is quintessential Childress.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Science, Audiobook, Conspiracy Theories, Aliens, Mythology

344 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1999

About the author

David Hatcher Childress (born 1957) is an American author and publisher of books on topics in alternative history and historical revisionism. His works often cover such subjects as pre-Columbian trans-oceanic contact, the Knights Templar, lost cities and vimana aircraft. Despite his public involvement in the general field of study, Childress claims to have no academic credentials as a professional archaeologist.

Born in France, and raised in Colorado, Childress began his world travels at age nineteen in pursuit of his archaeological interests. In 1983 Childress relocated to Stelle, Illinois, a community founded by New Age writer Richard Kieninger, after Childress was given a book authored by Kieninger while touring Africa. Childress chronicled his explorations in his Lost Cities and Ancient Mysteries series of books, whose core concepts were influenced by the ideas of Kieninger.

While residing in Stelle, Childress began self publishing his own works and later other authors, which focus on presenting fringe scientific theories regarding ancient civilizations and little-known technologies, as well as establishing a travel business in partnership with Kieninger. In 1991, in the nearby town of Kempton, Illinois, Childress, along with historian and linguist Carl W. Hart, founded the World Explorers Club, a group that often travels to the places he writes about, and an affiliated magazine, World Explorer.

David Hatcher Childress has appeared on several television programs on NBC ("The Mysterious Origins of Man"), Fox Network (Sightings and Encounters), Discovery Channel, A&E, The History Channel, as a commentator on subjects such as the Bermuda Triangle, Atlantis, and UFOs.

Childress has been involved in two lawsuits regarding his publishing activities, one of which failed due to the expiry of a statute of limitations and the other, involving his company's publication of a master's thesis without permission, which was settled out of court.
from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Ha...

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mayan bulldozers? Atlantis electricity? Ancient Indian flying machines? This book has it all! Mr. Childress, though needs an editor, lot of mistakes in this work. This book is hilarious. Great pseudo-science. He is a bit short on his explanation of time-frames and in general, proof of any kind of his really weird claims. Quite funny though. I might just have to read his book "the anti-gravity handbook" when my body starts sagging.

[Amit Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is not the convention treatment of archaeological sites. This has gone beyond the limitations of our existing capacity to think and tries to relate with some other sources. What we look and what we perceive are two different things. Either we are looking ceratin things as they appear or we are taught to look certain things in a particular fashion.
So, the author has tired of breaking the cycle of it provides us with something different. Though, he does not take the credibility about his information about that will be totally right. However, the book will let you explore interesting and some meaning facts that will change your perception of thinking.

[Ron Wroblewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an utterly unique book. It shows strong evidence that there were societies just as advanced as ours thousands of years ago. Proof of advanced machinery, electricity, flying machines and aerial warfare, and even strong evidence of atomic warfare that destroyed these ancient societies. Strong Bibliography and Footnotes. A definite read for those interested in history and science. Are we on track to repeat what the ancients went through?

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book isn't about mainstream archeology, its about the many questions people have about human history. Questions like, "if homosapiens have been around for 150,000 years, how come in only the last 2000 or 3000 years have we become civilized? What did we do before that?" Sure it pulls a quote from a psychic in regards to Atlantis, or maybe it might pull facts from history that are questionable, but it also pulls from great theories and pieces together ancient manuscrpits, it makes us think! It has us question what we truly know about ourselves as a species. We haven't been investigating our ancient past for very long, every day a new discovery sends archeology reeling. So embrace the fact we know nothing and enjoy every discovery and theory.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of really good information about the ancient civilizations! He spends quite a good amount of time describing some of the amazing technology and theories of all the Egyptian technology especially. He even touches on Atlantis and some of the other "mythical" areas. I had heard this book was a bit slow, and in some places it is, but I still enjoyed it all the same. For me it was a great read!

[Mick Pletcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was most impressive in giving details on different parts of the world where technological triumphs were achieved in times in history when it would have been an impossibility, even in today's world. One example they use in the book is the Inca Empire where blocks were 200 ton blocks were moved and put into place with precision to the millimeter. The book is most intriguing!

[Tom Walsh]

This was page after page of enlightenment! Did you know the Meditteranean Sea was aland mass? Did you know that there was a pre-flood civilization that marks us as "advanced" 10,000 years ago? Read the book. He's on H2 often, and my respect for his scholarship has sky-rocketed~~ RECOMMENDED!

[Jim^^Ross Jim^^Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Passionate Revelation of Ancient Technology

Enjoyed the read immensely. David Childress hopscotches the globe with the energy and speed of the Ancient's communication grid! I'll be searching for more from this scholar!

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

graham hancock is better

[The Phoenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book. Opened my mind to possibilities. Still not one hundred percent believing the theories presented, but I can see them as possible.

[Bistra Stoimenova · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book in a random bookstore at the resort we were staying for our summer vacation more than 10 years ago. I've always been fascinated by ancient history and culture so this book looked really interesting.

What I found between the covers, however, was not only interesting but amazing. In terms of revelations, in terms of information.

If you are interested in history or just need to polish your knowledge a bit - this book is definitely for you. One of my favourites, for sure.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books goes into detail about many of the topics covered in the History Channel's show Ancient Aliens. It includes pictures and many first hand accounts from archaeologists and explorers. While I don't ascribe to many of these theories totally, they are interesting to read and provide an alternate theory as to how ancient civilizations built their monoliths and for what purposes.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gave up. Typos throughout and some bad grammar. I did learn about the Wyoming tiny mummy though. Apparently that's a real thing. But I just don't believe the ancient peoples went to space. How would they have survived the lack of atmosphere? It wasn't even addressed. Just assumed that the reader would accept it as fact.

[Ailith Twinning · Rating 1 out of 5]

"91% of people liked this book"
Ladies and gentlemen, the single best argument against democracy.

To be direct tho, I read this hoping it would be funny; it's not that kind of crazy.

[Ashwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this book made me think, have we progressed in our life style compared to ancient people. Were our ancestors far more advanced than what we are? Proofs and information in hand does point in this direction. Our ancestors were more in unison with nature - that was the reason they could achieve those marvels. Marvels, in front of which today's science and technology is embarrassingly dwarfed. I am not appreciative of today's science. Because it disconnects us from nature. Today's science and technology seem to have caused more problems than being useful.

Such points\thoughts come to your mind as you read this.

Nice book

[Cece-Shirrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly Good

Leaves you wanting more. I liked how the author shows the similarities between different cultures. This definitely makes you wonder about the history you were taught.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN ARGUMENT THAT ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS POSSESSED ‘ADVANCED TECH’

Author David Hatcher Childress wrote in the Preface to this 2000 book, “In this book we will explore the many bits of evidence that lead us to the astounding conclusion that ancient man was virtually as sophisticated as we are today---at least someone, from somewhere, was here using high technology. This technology included everything from electricity to heavy machinery and aircraft. The topics of ancient flight, ancient atomic wars, ancient electricity and such, will seem odd to many people… yet, as we shall see, there is a lot of evidence pointing to a technologically advanced past. Every culture in the world seems to have legends of ancient flight and a golden civilization before our own. Separating fact from fiction is the difficult part… In this book, I have tried to include those stories, artifacts, and places that seemed the most important and could be largely verified. Admittedly, there is much speculation in this book, and I invite readers to
speculate as they will…” (Pg. 9)

He adds in the first chapter, “What is amazing about the modern world versus the ancient one is that in the modern world, the average citizen has access to advanced technology such as electricity, a personal vehicle, telephone, fax, and computer technology. In the ancient world, high technology was largely denied the masses. In fact, it was often used in temples and ceremonies to gain power over people by amazing or terrifying them; this was part of worship and mystery.” (Pg. 11-12)

He notes, “The most widely-known books in the world such as the Bible, the Mahabharata… all speak of cataclysms and ancient civilizations that were destroyed… stories about them filled thousands, even hundreds of thousands of volumes of books that were kept in libraries around the world in ancient times… Sadly, it is a fact that throughout history, huge archives and libraries have been purposely destroyed… thousands … [were] burned by fanatical Christians in the third century AD. Any volumes they might have missed were burned by the Moslems … a few hundred years later. All ancient Chinese texts were ordered destroyed in 212 BC by Emperor Chi Huyan Ti… Whole libraries, including the royal library, were destroyed… Fortunately, some books survived because people hid them in various underground caves…” (Pg. 13-14)

He states, “Legends of resplendent ancient civilizations an their cataclysmic destruction are part of nearly every culture in the world. The modern skeptic asks, ‘Well, if highly advanced societies existed in the past then where is the evidence of their machinery and such; and shouldn’t there be the remains of these peoples’ cities?’ The answer is that such evidence does exist, and hundreds of ruined cities have been found both above and below water.” (Pg. 35)

He suggests, “Ancient astronaut theorists have frequently suggested that Ba.albek was built by extraterrestrials… a Soviet scientist suggests that the stones were originally part of a landing and takeoff platform for extraterrestrial spacecraft… Zechariah Sitchin believes… that Ba’albk is a launching pad for rockets… I seek a middle ground in the intriguing mystery of the past. While ancient astronauts may well have visited earth in the past, it seems unlikely that they would have arrived here in rockets. They would have mastered eth art of anti-gravity and their spaceships … could land and take off in a pleasant grassy field, and would not need a gigantic platform.” (Pg. 43)

He argues, “One reason we don’t have many iron or other metallic objects that are tens of thousands of years old is that such an object wouldn’t last that long. Most metals, such as iron, copper, bronze, and tin will corrode and oxidize into nothing… gold… is indestructible … [but] is too soft… to be used for weapons or machines… In order to find artifacts of the rusting metals, it is necessary for them to have been somehow sheltered from the environment.” (Pg. 84)

He asserts, “Electric batteries were in use more than 2,000 years ago says Dr Wilhelm Koenig, a German archaeologist… [An] article on this amazing ancient technology … [said]: ‘…. In Cleopatra’s day, up-and-coming Baghdad silversmiths were goldplating jewelry---using electric batteries…’” (Pg. 118)

He explains, “The development of modern spaceflight can be traced to the early used of gunpowder in China, including experimentation and manned rockets… The rocket probably evolved in a simple way from an incendiary arrow… one would have to pack the powder in a long thin tube to keep it from going off at once… If the tube were open to the rear… the explosion would help the arrow on its way.” (Pg. 148)

He notes, “The pyramids of the Giza Plateau have been recognized as feats of engineering wonder since time immemorial. Herodotus… claims that he was told by priests … that teams of ten thousand men each labored for ten years to build a ramp for the blocks; then another twenty years to build the pyramid; and finally a further ten years to put the casing stones on the pyramid starting from the top down…. An inscription read to Herodotus at the base of the pyramid by priests told of the number of onions and radishes it took to feed the laborers. Yet it appears that Herodotus was being told a story. No trace of a ramp has actually been discovered… There are no actual wall drawing of a pyramid being constructed, but there are drawings that portray the transport of gigantic obelisks and giant statues weighing more than a hundred tons by men pulling sleds.” (Pg. 261)

He summarizes, “It is my belief that advanced technology was developed over 12,000 years ago. This technology was used in some civilizations around the world, though not all… We call these ancient high-tech civilizations Atlantis, Rama, Osiris, and other names… Around 10000 BC, geological upheavals, perhaps both natural and man-made, sank Atlantis… The Mediterranean was apparently flooded at this time… Much of the ancient technology was lost to humankind… Like today, powerful nations fought wars that spanned entire continents. Secret societies like the Knights Templar turned ancient Phoenician ports into their own strongholds… our history is one of nonstop warfare and invasion. Technology is, in many ways, driven by warfare… Now that technology has again reached a point of no return, perhaps we are ready to jump to the next level. A level beyond the technology of today. The technology of the gods tomorrow. A technology that allows man to finally learn to live in harmony with nature and his fellow man.” (Pg. 324-325)

This book will be of great interest to those interested in ‘Lost Cities,’ ‘Ancient Aliens’ (Childress is a regular on the History Channel series), and the like.

[Pjbhaumik · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Hatcher Childress wrote this fascinating book on historical theory at a comprehensive level. There is work from 12000 years ago to the end of the last century BC. The chapters described the rise of fall of ancient civilizations from a technological standpoint. Each chapter offered evidence of a different technological capability, a justification for the suppositions, and elimination of opposition theories. Evident in each presentation was research into the mechanics, geological ramifications, and ancient literature. No single religion or civilization was given bias. Attention appeared instead to details respecting the most awe: ancient pyramids, caves, artifacts, and ruins. Technology associated with these relics were then the object of investigation. Rationale remained fact-based against many of the pre-existing brute force theories for the accomplishments of our ancient ancestors. Their accomplishments and disappearances could have realistically been a result of technologies that to us would appear to be supernatural in nature or origin!

[Ed Mortensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book that examines written records and artifacts to prove a higher level of technology in our distant past.

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

David Childress makes some interesting points, however, I have some issues with this book.

First, the editing leaves quite a bit to be desired; pages don't always match up, paragraphs get repeated when you turn the page, things like that.

Second, there are lots of photographs to accompany the text, which this subject matter definitely needs, but often the images are not labeled, they do not appear to have anything to do with what is being discussed on the page, and quite frankly, many of them are of very poor quality. They reminded me of a student in middle school who uses a nearly broken copy machine to copy pictures from a book, then glues them into their report.

I would not recommend this book as a first entrance to reading about ancient cultures. Instead, I would suggest Graham Hancock's "Fingerprints of the Gods" Hancock's book is much better put together, the supporting images are clear and meaningful, and the style leads to greater credibility.

[Karmakosmik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ho conosciuto Childress grazie alla sua presenza nella serie "Enigmi Alieni" e mi era sembrato sin da subito una persona piuttosto simpatica. Poi, ho visto che uno dei suoi libri è stato addirittura tradotto in italiano ed allora mi sono deciso a leggerlo. Il suo libro è un buon compendio di quello che viene detto su "Enigmi Alieni", si spazia dalle costruzioni impossibili dell'antico Egitto o del periodo pre-Inca, passando per la conoscenza dell'elettricità nel passato, fino ad arrivare ad una lunga appendice sulla presenza di macchinari avanzati per l'edilizia. Insomma, un grosso pout-porri che pesca a piene mani da altri autori, ma che non sempre risulta come scrittura dinamico o d'interesse. Per esempio, tutta la parte dove si racconta della teoria di Dunn sulla Piramide di Cheope come possibile centrale elettrica è estremamente lunga e pedante. Non di meno, un buon testo per chi vuole approcciarsi all'archeologia mysteriosa.

[Marty Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The original 'Indiana Jones' continues to investigate lost cities and ancient mysteries around the world; while also appearing on 'Ancient Aliens' on History Channel. Childress posits a technological civilization existed before the 'fire and brimstone' hit the Earth. Recent archaeological reports indicate the debris from the Vela Supernova (see NASA website for Pictures of the Day) (ca. 11,500 BCE) hit the solar system circa 10,800 BCE (recent results in North America Research indicate the debris (or a massive asteroid) hit Earth and ended the Ice Age.

[Louis · Rating 5 out of 5]

See if this is correct. Very similliar information in many of this guys books, some rehashed over. Sometimes over the top on theories. The simplest answer is usually the correct one. Yes, ancient cultures had technology. Yes they were as advanced as we are or even more so, but highly advanced civilizations crash hard. Next time lets prevent that a little. Oh and for my Space Operations guys, "one day too new is bad, but older is better."

[Danny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really fascinating stuff! Lots of compelling ideas to contemplate. There is a lot of speculation but some of the ideas really make sense. I don't know why but I can really get into this type of stuff. I read this because of the History series Ancient Aliens. It is the second book I've read related to the subject.

[Hazel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The different kinds of ancient technologies were quite interesting. I just didn't like the author's writing. It felt like a collection of essays poorly put together with (sometimes) random images. This book needed some serious editing. Otherwise the actual point the author was trying to make rather good.

[Friedrich Mencken · Rating 3 out of 5]

Speculations on historical and archeological mysteries from around the world. What I like about Childress writing is that he abstains from making absolute statements on his various theories and speculations on ancient world technology. Not to be taken too seriously, but interesting to think about and very entertaining…

[Manu Sain · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was expecting crazy and I got crazy. Although at the beginning I thought this was going to be a reasonable book about ancient toilets, it soon went spiraling down into worse and worse insanity. It didn’t disappoint! Maybe I should have given it five stars, but I don’t want people to get the wrong idea

[Shane Blaufuss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another "Ancient Aliens" read, along with Von Daniken's books. Centers heavily on unexplained artifacts from early- and pre-history Earth. Lots of talk of Vimanas, ancient India's flying machines. Great read, but again light on concrete evidence.

[Riobhcah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The editor could have done better. However, the author presents for our consideration some very interesting statements that challenge traditional archaeology (and they need the challenge).

[Christopher · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not as impressed as I was hoping for. Author makes huge logic jumps and bases a lot of his "facts" on quotes from other authors/books without verifying their research.