Book SummaryFingerprints of the Gods, by Graham Hancock

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Fingerprints of the Gods

Evidence of an advanced, ancient global civilization from a remote era.

In his book "Fingerprints of the Gods," Hancock suggests that a highly sophisticated civilization existed long before well-known ancient societies like Sumer and Egypt, during a period that is much earlier than generally acknowledged. Hancock proposes that a lost civilization once possessed sophisticated knowledge in cartography, astronomy, mathematics, and architectural design, leaving their mark globally in various forms. The writer compiles different types of evidence, such as ancient maps, large megalithic constructions, and persistent legends, to build a compelling case for this neglected epoch in the annals of mankind.

Maps from antiquity provide evidence of an advanced knowledge in map-making that existed before historical records began.

Hancock showcases an assortment of old cartographic works to demonstrate a rich legacy of mapmaking from past civilizations. Hancock suggests that the sophisticated cartographic knowledge displayed in the maps is unlikely considering the time periods and civilizations from which they originated.

The book proposes that a long-lost civilization had sophisticated methods for land measurement, as demonstrated by their precise depictions of the topography under Antarctica's ice and the outlines of its coasts, well before these features were known again in contemporary history.

Hancock draws attention to specific maps, including those crafted by Piri Reis in 1513, Oronteus Finaeus in 1531, and Buache from 1737, which remarkably depict the intricacies of Antarctica long before its recognized discovery in 1818. The truly fascinating aspect is that these maps depict parts of the Antarctic coastline devoid of ice, a condition thought to have occurred approximately 6000 years ago based on geological evidence. Hancock suggests that a society from ancient times possessed the capability to carry out exact measurements and craft intricate depictions of an ice-free Antarctica, which came before any known civilization with comparable abilities.

The author further bolsters his argument by highlighting the accuracy of these ancient maps in depicting Antarctica's subglacial topography, a feature that was only revealed by modern seismic surveys conducted in the mid-twentieth century. The map crafted by Piri Reis astonishingly illustrates the terrain that lies under Queen Maud Land's ice, corresponding closely with what was uncovered by the Swedish-British Antarctic Expedition in 1949. Hancock proposes that the complexity of these depictions indicates the presence of an ancient society that had sophisticated techniques and instruments for mapping, which enabled them to map the Earth's features with a level of precision that modern mapmaking reached only in subsequent eras.

Advanced civilizations emerged suddenly around the year 3000 BC.

Hancock disputes the conventional interpretation of historical development by emphasizing the abrupt emergence of ancient civilizations like Sumer and Egypt around 3000 years prior to the Common Era. Hancock argues that the rapid progression of these societies seems to contradict the gradual, evolutionary process often associated with cultural development.

The civilizations of Egypt and Sumer demonstrated an extraordinary proficiency in mathematics, astronomy, and construction, which appears to have been derived from an enigmatic and ancient origin.

Hancock highlights the advanced understanding of ancient civilizations, particularly their deep knowledge in areas like mathematics, astronomy, and construction, which appear to have materialized without a discernible evolutionary background. The author suggests that the development of complex writing forms like Egyptian hieroglyphs and Sumerian cuneiform, along with their advanced knowledge of celestial patterns and the construction of massive structures such as the pyramids, points to the inheritance of profound knowledge from a long-lost precursor civilization.

Hancock suggests that the civilization of Egypt ought to be considered a legacy, rather than simply a progression. Hancock proposes that remnants of a long-lost civilization may have passed down their extensive knowledge...

Fingerprints of the Gods Summary Early societies in the Andean region and Mesoamerica are recognized for their advanced knowledge, a fact that is corroborated by both tangible archaeological discoveries and mythological stories.

Hancock's exploration of ancient cultures in the Andean and Mesoamerican regions further bolsters his theory regarding a lost civilization. He underscores the presence of ancient legends, grand megalithic structures, and advanced astronomical knowledge in these regions, suggesting they could be connected to a long-lost civilization.

The myths of civilizations in the Andes and Mesoamerica share striking resemblances.

Hancock draws attention to the intriguing parallels found within the ancient narratives of Andean societies and those in Mesoamerica. He identifies common themes and characters that suggest a shared origin or influence.

The revered ancient figures Viracocha and Quetzalcoatl, both depicted with beards, embarked on quests to advance human society following catastrophic occurrences, suggesting the existence of a common historical figure or mutual cultural impact.

Hancock highlights the striking similarities between the Andean civilizing figure Viracocha and Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent venerated in Central American lore. The pair, distinguished by their light skin and facial hair, reportedly traveled from faraway lands to share knowledge and promote...

Fingerprints of the Gods Summary There is conjecture that a highly advanced society, not yet recognized in conventional historical records, may have been responsible for building the Giza pyramids.

Hancock challenges the common view that the majestic Giza pyramids were built by the Fourth Dynasty Pharaohs during the Old Kingdom period in Egypt. Hancock posits that the advanced design of the Great Pyramid, reflecting a degree of architectural, mathematical, and engineering prowess seemingly beyond the capabilities of the time it was built, indicates the influence of a more scientifically advanced civilization.

The construction of the Great Pyramid showcases an enigmatic degree of accuracy and profound understanding.

Hancock delves into the complex structural features of the Great Pyramid, highlighting the exceptional precision and advanced knowledge evident in its design. its design.

The meticulous alignment with cardinal directions, incorporation of essential mathematical constants such as pi and the golden ratio, and the suggestion that it may represent a scaled-down model of the Earth's hemisphere, call into question the traditionally attributed technological capabilities of Egypt's Old Kingdom, indicating a more advanced scientific knowledge.

Hancock emphasizes the pyramid's precise orientation along the cardinal points, achieved with minimal deviation, and...

Fingerprints of the Gods Summary The vanished civilization's lasting influence on later societies stemmed from the significant changes that took place as the last Ice Age came to an end.

Hancock proposes a link between the remains of a lost civilization and the catastrophic events that aligned with the end of the Ice Age. He explores the theory that a sequence of global catastrophes could be connected to the disappearance of an ancient civilization, which subsequently influenced subsequent cultures, and scrutinizes the methods through which its knowledge was transmitted through myths and monumental structures.

Many cultural tales recount tales of immense floods and calamities.

Hancock investigates the global prevalence of myths related to great floods across different cultures.

The pervasive presence of flood myths across different cultures, often featuring warnings, survivors, and the preservation of seeds for subsequent renewal, suggests shared memories of traumatic events potentially linked to the rapid melting at the end of the last ice age.

Hancock emphasizes the ubiquity of flood myths across various disconnected societies, each recounting a disaster that almost wiped out humanity, leaving only a handful of people to perpetuate our species. Hancock notes the remarkable similarities in the design and symbolism of these myths, which consistently...