Human Origins

The work surveys ancient textual and archaeological evidence to argue for a deep human past. It analyzes Egyptian records and hieroglyphic decipherment, explains principles behind phonetic and ideographic signs, and recounts how inscriptions and monuments anchor chronology. It examines Mesopotamian cuneiform, Behistun and other inscriptions, early dynastic lists and libraries, and considers Chinese, Elamite and Phoenician traditions and their interactions. Archaeological material, including Stone Age, Neolithic and monumental remains, and astronomical observations are used to synchronize chronologies. Overall it synthesizes linguistic, epigraphic, and material evidence to trace the development of ancient civilizations and extend historical timeframes.