The Phaistos Disc and Its Mysterious Origins

In 1945, a young a Soviet and Russian linguist, epigrapher, and ethnographer named Yuri Knorosov “rescued” a book with unknown hieroglyphs from a burning library in Berlin. These were later identified as Maya hieroglyphs on leather parchment rolls. Knorosov’s seven years of study led to the revelation that the Maya script was a combination of logograms and syllabic symbols, a discovery that took until the 1970s to gain international acceptance among experts.

The Soviet Contributions

In 1969, Soviet scientists published theories about the origins of ancient Egypt, suggesting it was founded by an advanced civilization affected by a cosmic catastrophe 12,000 years ago. They discovered precise astronomical maps on papyrus depicting star positions as they were around 10,000 BC. Additionally, unusual artifacts, such as precision crystal lenses and aluminum alloy metal plates, were unearthed, challenging the conventional understanding of ancient Egyptian technology.

The Enigmatic Metal Plates

In 1962, Russian Egyptologists found spherical crystal lenses in Helwan (Egypt), which may have been used for observation similar to modern binoculars. Further discoveries included gold-plated metal plates made primarily of an aluminum alloy. These findings didn’t align with known Egyptian origins, raising questions about their provenance. Analyses conducted in 1989 revealed that these metal pieces could not have come from meteoritic sources but were instead artificially crafted, likely dating back to the earliest periods of ancient Egypt.

The Influence of R. W. H. Vyse

R. W. H. Vyse, a British explorer in the 1830s, used controversial methods, including dynamite, to investigate the pyramids. He discovered a metal plate in the Great Pyramid, which upon analysis, showed evidence of artificial manipulation and gold traces. Despite initial skepticism and accusations of forgery, later studies by metallurgists indicated the plate was ancient, possibly from the pyramid’s original construction.

Theories and Speculations

Prominent figures like W. M. Flinders Petrie and Basil Steward speculated that the advanced architectural skills evident in early Egyptian structures might not be solely the work of the Egyptians. Petrie suggested that these feats were the achievements of a highly skilled individual or a group of knowledgeable immigrants. Steward referred to these builders as “White Culture Bringers,” advanced in mathematics and science, who left Egypt after completing their monumental projects.

The Arab Perspective

Arab scholar Dhu’l Nun Misri chronicled the tale of the “Ar-Hew” people, a technologically advanced civilization that foresaw a catastrophic event and predicted their homeland’s inaccessibility for 20,000 years. This narrative hints at a possible memory of Atlantis, suggesting a highly developed culture that once thrived and later vanished.

The Papyrus 1115 Evidence

The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg holds the Egyptian Papyrus 1115, which narrates an expedition led by the Pharaoh to the “Land of the Westerners.” This story parallels the Atlantis legend, describing an encounter with a paradise-like island inhabited by an advanced serpent-like deity. This deity’s vehicle, resembling amphibious crafts from Babylonian lore, underscores the presence of advanced technology. The Atlantis Disc, more accurately known as the Phaistos Disc, is one of the most enigmatic artifacts from ancient Crete. Discovered in 1908 by the Italian archaeologist Luigi Pernier in the Minoan palace of Phaistos, the disc has intrigued scholars and enthusiasts alike for over a century.

Discovery and Description

The Phaistos Disc is a circular clay tablet, approximately 16 centimeters in diameter and 2 centimeters thick, inscribed with a spiral of stamped symbols on both sides. The disc’s unique symbols, pressed into the clay while it was still wet, form a sequence of signs that appear to be a form of writing or symbolic communication. This method predates the invention of movable type by several millennia, showcasing an advanced level of craftsmanship and possibly a sophisticated system of record-keeping or storytelling.

The disc was found in a sealed, stone-enclosed room in the palace of Phaistos, similar to storage areas found in Egyptian pyramids, indicating that it was considered a valuable and significant object. Its discovery in such a context suggests that it held considerable importance, potentially as a religious, administrative, or ceremonial artifact.

Theories and Interpretations

Since its discovery, numerous theories have emerged regarding the disc’s purpose and origin. One prevailing theory, proposed by Dr. Leon Pomerance, suggests that the symbols do not represent a language but rather a complex allegorical system tied to celestial observations. Pomerance argues that the disc may depict a hymn or invocation to the sun, with symbols representing constellations and other celestial phenomena.

Conversely, other scholars, like Friedhelm E. Will, believe the disc contains over 10,000 pieces of information, including depictions of foreign visitors resembling Iroquois with distinctive feather crowns. This perspective aligns with theories linking the disc to transatlantic influences or even the legendary Atlantis.

The inscriptions on the disc have been suggested to describe a civilization that arrived by sea, established contact, and engaged in trade with the indigenous population, ultimately leading to conflict and subjugation. Some interpretations even suggest references to extraterrestrial visitors, “flying houses,” and voyages to other planets, adding an otherworldly dimension to the artifact’s mystique.

Mythological Connections

The legends of ancient Crete, such as the story of Theseus and the Minotaur, provide additional context for the Phaistos Disc. According to myth, Theseus, the prince of Athens, journeyed to Crete and slew the Minotaur with the help of Ariadne’s thread, symbolizing the Athenians’ liberation from Cretan dominance. This mythological narrative hints at a period of subjugation and subsequent revolt, potentially reflected in the symbols on the disc.

Interestingly, “Minos” might translate to “circular building,” suggesting that “Minotaur” could mean “bull of the circular building.” This interpretation could indicate a ritualistic or astronomical purpose tied to early Minoan religious practices, which later became obscured over time. The many depictions of bulls in Minoan art, always as real animals and not mythical creatures, support the idea of a bull-centered cult that might be connected to the disc’s symbols.

Astronomical and Extraterrestrial Theories

Some scholars, like Dr. Antonio Tarametti and Dr. Lucio Mariani, have explored the disc in relation to astronomical observations. They discovered connections to the Ida Massif, a central location on Crete known for its ancient Zeus sanctuary and the Gortyn Code, the oldest known Greek law code.

A more radical theory posits that the disc contains evidence of extraterrestrial contact. Friedhelm E. Will’s research suggests that the disc includes references to interplanetary travel, ancient atomic reactors, and an antediluvian civilization predating recorded history by hundreds of thousands of years. These interpretations, while controversial, add to the mystique surrounding the disc.

Historical Context and Cultural Exchange

The presence of similar symbols and inscriptions across the Mediterranean, including Egypt and other Aegean islands, implies a shared cultural or trade network between ancient civilizations. The findings in Dendera, Egypt, with a second larger spiral of similar symbols, further suggest a broader cultural or religious significance.

Professor Frederico Halbherr’s 1884 excavations aimed to uncover the oldest settlements on Crete and to find inscriptions that could illuminate the island’s history. His discoveries, including a Zeus sanctuary and the significant Gortyn Code, provided valuable insights into ancient Cretan civilization.

The Phaistos Disc remains a tantalizing artifact, its true meaning still shrouded in mystery. Whether it is a relic of a forgotten language, an astronomical guide, a mythological record, or evidence of ancient alien contact, it continues to capture the imagination and challenge our understanding of Minoan civilization. As research progresses, new discoveries may yet unravel the secrets of this remarkable artifact, offering a deeper insight into the ancient world and its myriad connections.