For centuries, the popular narrative surrounding the discovery of the Americas has centered around Christopher Columbus’ famous voyage in 1492. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that ancient explorers, long before Columbus, reached the shores of North America. In “Colonies on the Backside” and “How the SunGod Reached America,” author Jay Stuart Wakefield takes readers on a captivating journey into the deep past, unraveling the mysteries of pre-Columbian America and the early explorers who left their mark on its shores. Through a meticulous exploration of petroglyphs, ancient astronomical knowledge, and prehistoric navigation techniques, Wakefield presents a compelling case for a forgotten chapter in history that reshapes our understanding of ancient exploration.
Pre-Columbian America: A World of Exploration
Before Columbus, the Americas were not isolated from the rest of the world. A variety of cultures, from Europe, Africa, and even the Mediterranean, may have made voyages across the Atlantic long before the 15th century. In “Colonies on the Backside,” Jay Wakefield explores the possibility of pre-Columbian America being a hub of activity for ancient mariners who ventured into the unknown, seeking new lands and resources.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Wakefield’s work is his investigation into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, home to rich copper deposits that ancient civilizations may have exploited. The vast quantities of copper mined from this region suggest that it played a significant role in the ancient world’s economy, with explorers from Europe and the Mediterranean potentially making transatlantic voyages to acquire this valuable resource. The copper trade, in turn, likely contributed to the development of early exploration routes that connected the Americas with the Old World.
Decoding Petroglyphs: Ancient Symbols of Exploration
At the heart of Wakefield’s investigation are petroglyphs, ancient carvings found on rocks across the Americas. These carvings, often dismissed as mere art or symbols of religious significance, are much more than that. Jay Wakefield, through extensive research, argues that these petroglyphs are, in fact, records of ancient voyages and maps of prehistoric navigation routes used by early mariners to traverse vast oceans.
Petroglyphs often depict animals, celestial symbols, and geometric shapes, but upon closer inspection, many of these symbols reveal advanced knowledge of astronomy and navigation. In “Colonies on the Backside,” Wakefield decodes specific petroglyphs found in North America that he believes served as navigational aids. These carvings, etched into stone by ancient civilizations, may have guided explorers as they sailed along rivers and coastlines, using the stars and the sun to find their way.
For example, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, petroglyphs depicting animals such as fish and birds are interpreted by Jay S Wakefield as symbols representing rivers and currents. By understanding these carvings, ancient sailors could follow safe routes, avoiding treacherous waters while navigating vast and unknown territories. The presence of these petroglyphs in areas rich with copper further supports Wakefield’s theory that pre-Columbian America was an integral part of a global trade network.
Prehistoric Navigation: The Art and Science of Sailing the Seas
How did ancient civilizations accomplish such feats of exploration without the advanced technology available to later generations? This is where prehistoric navigation techniques come into play. In both “Colonies on the Backside” and “How the SunGod Reached America,” Wakefield delves into the ancient methods of navigation that allowed explorers to cross oceans long before the age of modern sailboats and compasses.
The ancient world had a deep understanding of the stars, using them as reliable guides for navigation. This reliance on ancient astronomy was particularly important for seafaring cultures, who had to navigate by the stars when they ventured beyond the sight of land. The ability to track the movement of constellations, along with a sophisticated understanding of seasonal winds and ocean currents, made long-distance voyages not only possible but repeatable.
In “How the SunGod Reached America,” Jay S Wakefield explores how ancient astronomy was intertwined with religious beliefs, particularly the worship of the SunGod. Ancient mariners, guided by their knowledge of celestial bodies, built temples and megalithic monuments that aligned with the movements of the sun and stars. These monuments served not only as places of worship but also as practical tools for navigation, enabling explorers to chart their course with precision.
By deciphering these ancient techniques, Wakefield shows how the ancient world was far more interconnected than we previously thought. Prehistoric navigation wasn’t a lost art but an essential skill passed down through generations, allowing explorers to navigate vast oceans, connect with distant lands, and bring back valuable resources.
Ancient Astronomy: The Key to Long-Distance Exploration
One of the most compelling elements of JS Wakefield’s work is his exploration of ancient astronomy and its role in early exploration. In “How the SunGod Reached America,” Wakefield delves into the astronomical knowledge possessed by ancient civilizations, which enabled them to travel great distances.
For example, many ancient cultures built structures aligned with the solstices and equinoxes, demonstrating their advanced understanding of the movement of the sun. These alignments were not only symbolic but also functional, providing early explorers with essential information about the seasons and the best times for long-distance voyages.
The SunGod, a central figure in many ancient belief systems, was often associated with exploration and discovery. Temples dedicated to the SunGod were frequently built in locations that had a clear view of the horizon, allowing ancient astronomers to track the sun’s movements with great precision. These temples, in turn, served as starting points for voyages, guiding explorers as they set sail into the unknown.
In “How the SunGod Reached America,” Wakefield suggests that ancient mariners used this knowledge to navigate across the Atlantic, reaching the shores of North America long before Columbus. The connection between ancient astronomy and prehistoric navigation becomes clear as Wakefield demonstrates how the stars and sun played a pivotal role in guiding explorers across the ocean.
Redefining Ancient Exploration
Through his works, Jay Stuart Wakefield presents a bold reimagining of pre-Columbian America as a vibrant hub of ancient exploration and cultural exchange. By decoding petroglyphs, examining prehistoric navigation techniques, and exploring the role of ancient astronomy, Wakefield builds a convincing case for the existence of ancient voyages that reshaped the world long before recorded history.
Both “Colonies on the Backside” and “How the SunGod Reached America” are essential reads for anyone interested in ancient history, archaeology, or maritime exploration. Wakefield’s detailed research opens new pathways for understanding how early civilizations connected with one another and challenges us to reconsider what we thought we knew about the history of exploration.
For history enthusiasts, scholars, and amateur explorers alike, these books offer an exhilarating glimpse into a forgotten world—one where ancient mariners sailed the seas, guided by the stars and the knowledge passed down through generations. As JS Wakefield’s research demonstrates, the past is far more interconnected than we ever imagined, and the story of pre-Columbian America is one of remarkable ingenuity, adventure, and discovery.