The Lost Civilization Enigma: A New Inquiry Into the Existence of Ancient Cities, Cultures, and Peoples Who Pre-Date Recorded History

I, as with many others I will presume, was introduced to Philip Coppens through the show Ancient Aliens. While a fan of the show, many theories thrown about appear to me too unfounded and fantastic. However, one man whose ideas always seemed a bit more focused and well-developed were Coppens. As a result, when looking for books on the topics the show brought to life, I ended upon first his "The Ancient Alien Question," and followed with this text. What I love most about this text is two things: 1. The incredible amounts of research brought up and defended throughout. 2. The way Coppens was able to expand upon, defy and generate new theories without once reverting to the notion that ancient astronauts developed our civilization (This is not to say I entirely disagree with this notion, but it led to a much more scientific reading of this text). Not only does Coppens take the time to develop and defend the many ideas expressed in this text, but he also takes the time to break down theories that he does not agree with. Some of these are major scientific concepts (which, of course, the "pseudoscience" fields that Coppens and many others live within tend to disagree with) but others are concepts by some of his own peers in the field. This, to me, reveals his determination to finding and defending the ideas he feels are closest to the truth, rather than blindly following others for fear of making enemies. The best thing Coppens does in this text is focus so much of his theories around anomalies and gaps within Academia. For example, when exploring Vikings, he points out how modern historians have yet to explain why it is that Vikings set sail in the way they did, plundered the way they did, and then peacefully overtook their final destination (Sens, in France) without any death involved. Also, by exploring anomalies, he opens the door to not only his own theories, which he forms and defends as best he can, but also points out that steps need be taken by the other fields of Academia, be it historians, Egyptologists, geologists, scientists, etc. When there are clear aspects of this world that are simply unexplained, or whose "accepted" notions are wrought with holes, it becomes time for a new theories to be explored. Coppens points this out, but doesn't just stop there, as some other authors in his field tend to do. As aforementioned, this is the second text I read by Coppens, and I absolutely loved them both. He is a uniquely talented researcher and writer who passed way before his time. I highly recommend this book not just for anyone interested in history and for fans of Thomas Kuhn's "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions."

Wanted a book that wasn't pushing it's own agenda or vast conspiracy theories but tried to discuss some of the more puzzling and intriguing discoveries in archeology. That is a tall order for this subject matter and this book did well. The author certainly has his own opinions but includes the opinions of others as well. A 10,000 year old temple without any signs of habitation that appears to be buried by man and not time and nature does not exactly fit into our text books very well. This book discusses such sites and more importantly addresses the complexity of ancient man. I would have liked more information on carbon dating results and other findings for background but enjoyed the read and always found it interesting.

Interesting views and concepts on the subject matter. A good read.

I am a historian by desire. Have been to Machu Pichu and other sites in Peru. I was happy to find info I didn't know about South America and am wondering why some of it hasn't been presented more often. I found it hard to understand some of the points Coppens was trying to make. I would have preferred more info about each place mentioned in the book in a more readable fashion. At times I couldn't understand if the info being given was Coppens' view or fact.

The late Phillip Coppens was a meticulous researcher and articulate writer. This is the second of Coppen's books I have read. They were both excellent. His death in December 2012 was a blow to the forbidden archaeology world. I would high recommend this book. The only thing about this book that distresses me is that this is the last one we will get from Phillip. We lost a great mind.

Reading this book gives you the equivalent of brain whiplash. The author, on the same page goes from scientist to historian to shaman, again and again. You will learn the “scientifically accepted” view of man’s history and prehistory, the “newly discovered” view of same, and what “the enlightened “ have known about it all along. The author does have a very real view of what motivates “science” and “scientists”-those who reside in ivory towers are some of the most pugilistic folks on earth-ready to rend and tear any who disagree with pet theories (the validity of said theory having no bearing on the conflict), so I am tempted to listen to his points as he has paid his dues in the scientific world. Read with an open mind-you may learn something that they didn’t teach in school!

I enjoyed the book and also would check up on all the sites on internet. Mr. Coppens always explained things in a way anyone could understand. He and others are researching the truth and I wish some mainstream historians, scientists would put their egos aside and admit that civilizations existed millennia before what we have been taught to believe and that ''first world'europeans were not the first to explore this planet, they are just the latest that rediscovered what was known before. The ''global village'' always existed, even before the last ice-age. Regards to all.[Mr.Coppens died in December 2014, my sympathies to his family and I hope many will read all his research books and this way he can be remembered]

I found this to be am absolutely spellbinding book. I have always been intrigued by ancient civilizations; and even more so by "lost" ones. Here, the author describes the work of a great many researchers who have made what appear to be major archaeological discoveries all over the world that could push back the accepted birth of human civilization by possibly millennia. However, these researchers seem to be considered more like misguided rebels in the eyes of mainstream scholars in this field. Consequently, the author's overall message is clear: mainstream science should at least give evidence-based consideration of the archaeological discoveries that are made that don't seem to fall into the currently accepted paradigm. The author writes in a prose that is very clear, lively, accessible and immensely captivating. I found the book almost impossible to put down; the pages were just flying by. I was also very impressed by the author's amazing breadth and depth of knowledge; the great many details that he presents are mind-boggling to me. This book can be enjoyed by any interested reader. It should appeal especially to those with a love of ancient history and pre-history. Hopefully, the author's plea for reasoned open-mindedness will be heard and acted upon in some constructive way by both revisionists and traditionalists in this fascinating field; this may bring us all closer to the Truth.

An excellent read. Pushing the boundaries of pre-history back further and further. A very insightful look at the prejudices of the establishment and how desperately we need to go back and look at the evidence of the distant past to get to the truth of where we came from. Sadly, Philip died half way through reading this book. A very sad loss of someone who was undoubtedly at the cutting edge of investigating the ancient past. If you like this book read The Ancient Alien Question...

Interesting

Good read. Great insight and good research. I learned many new points. A little wordy though.

Like his other book on the Ancient Alien theory this is a balanced account of some of the mysteries of history and will enable you to go off and follow up on new topics of interest you might not have otherwise discovered. I've already bought 2 other books having heard about them here.