When one thinks of megalithic structures, iconic sites like Stonehenge often come to mind, stirring visions of ancient rituals and the mysterious past of early civilizations. Yet, the influence of megalithic culture stretches far beyond the standing stones of England. From Europe to the Americas, these monumental constructions reveal an ancient and intricate web of exploration, trade, and cultural exchange that spanned oceans long before modern history recorded such connections.
In his books, “How the SunGod Reached America” and “Colonies on the Backside,” author Jay Stuart Wakefield delves deep into the fascinating ties between megalithic cultures and pre-Columbian America, proposing a history far richer and more interconnected than mainstream scholars have yet acknowledged.
Stone Monuments and Megalithic Culture: The Foundations of Ancient Civilizations
The term megalithic culture refers to the ancient practice of erecting large stone monuments, or “megaliths,” which served as spiritual, astronomical, and social centers for early societies. These megalithic sites—ranging from dolmens and cairns to massive stone circles—are found across Europe, from the British Isles to the Mediterranean, and are often aligned with significant celestial events such as solstices and equinoxes. The most famous of these structures, Stonehenge, has long fascinated archaeologists and historians with its precise alignment with the sun and its mysterious origins.
However, as Jay S Wakefield suggests, megalithic culture was not confined to Europe. In his book “How the SunGod Reached America,” Wakefield explores the possibility that megalithic builders from Europe—armed with knowledge of ancient astronomy and navigation—may have traveled across the Atlantic, influencing the development of pre-Columbian America. The same expertise that allowed them to build Stonehenge and other megaliths could have enabled these ancient seafarers to embark on long voyages, spreading their knowledge and culture to the New World.
Wakefield argues that the petroglyphs, stone monuments, and mound-building practices observed in ancient North American cultures bear striking similarities to those of European megalithic builders. The alignment of certain American structures with the stars and their resemblance to European megalithic sites suggest a shared understanding of the cosmos and its significance in shaping the spiritual and social lives of ancient people.
Megalithic Cultures in Pre-Columbian America
Scholars like Jay Stuart Wakefield are increasingly challenging the notion of pre-Columbian America as an isolated world, untouched by external influences until the arrival of European explorers in the late 15th century. In “Colonies on the Backside,” JS Wakefield presents compelling evidence that transatlantic voyages and cultural exchanges occurred long before Columbus. He suggests that European mariners, influenced by megalithic culture, played a pivotal role in shaping early North American civilizations.
Wakefield’s research into pre-Columbian America reveals numerous stone structures and carvings that closely resemble European megalithic designs. These stone monuments, often used for both astronomical and religious purposes, indicate a level of architectural and astronomical sophistication that aligns with the practices of megalithic cultures in Europe. The presence of such structures in North America raises the intriguing possibility that ancient mariners brought across the Atlantic the knowledge of stone-building and celestial alignment.
In “How the SunGod Reached America,” Jay S Wakefield goes further, proposing that the religious and cosmological systems of ancient American civilizations, particularly those centered around the worship of the SunGod, may have been influenced by European megalithic cultures. The solar alignments observed in many American mounds and stone structures mirror those found in European sites like Stonehenge, suggesting a shared reverence for the sun as a divine entity and a celestial guide.
The Role of Ancient Astronomy in Megalithic Culture and Exploration
One key element connecting megalithic culture to Stonehenge and pre-Columbian America is the use of ancient astronomy. Many of the world’s most famous megalithic structures were aligned with the stars, sun, and moon, reflecting a deep understanding of celestial movements and their significance in ancient societies’ agricultural and spiritual lives.
In “How the SunGod Reached America,” Jay Wakefield highlights the importance of ancient astronomy in navigation and exploration. The ability to track the movements of the stars allowed ancient mariners to chart their courses across the vast expanse of the Atlantic. This expertise in ancient astronomy not only enabled European seafarers to reach distant lands but also influenced the construction of stone monuments in the Americas. Many of these monuments were oriented towards the solstices and equinoxes, just like their European counterparts.
JS Wakefield’s research suggests that the builders of these American stone monuments were not isolated from the broader currents of ancient history. Rather, they were part of a larger, interconnected world in which knowledge of ancient astronomy, navigation, and stone-building techniques was shared across continents. The striking similarities between megalithic sites in Europe and stone monuments in pre-Columbian America point to a common cultural and intellectual heritage that transcends the boundaries of modern historical narratives.
Stonehenge and the Egyptian Influence on Megalithic Cultures
While Stonehenge is the most famous example of megalithic culture, JS Wakefield suggests that the roots of this architectural tradition may extend even further back to the ancient civilizations of Egypt. In “How the SunGod Reached America,” he explores the possibility that the Egyptian influence on megalithic culture may have shaped the architectural practices of both Europe and the Americas.
The Egyptians, known for their monumental stone architecture, were also skilled astronomers who aligned their pyramids and temples with the stars. Jay Wakefield posits that the Egyptians may have passed their knowledge of stone construction and ancient astronomy to the builders of Stonehenge and other European megaliths. This knowledge, in turn, could have been carried across the Atlantic by European mariners, influencing the development of stone monuments in pre-Columbian America.
While the idea of Egyptian influence on megalithic culture and early American civilizations remains a topic of debate, Wakefield’s research opens up new possibilities for understanding the global reach of ancient history. His work suggests that the connections between the Old World and the New were far more extensive than previously believed, with Stonehenge, Egyptian pyramids, and American stone monuments all part of a shared architectural and cosmological tradition.
Conclusion: A New Understanding of Pre-Columbian America
In “How the SunGod Reached America” and “Colonies on the Backside,” Jay Stuart Wakefield challenges the conventional view of pre-Columbian America as an isolated and disconnected world. Through his detailed research into megalithic culture, ancient astronomy, and the influence of stone monuments, Wakefield presents a compelling case for early transatlantic contact and cultural exchange.
The presence of stone structures, petroglyphs, and mound-building practices in North America—many of which resemble European megalithic sites—suggests that the megalithic culture of the Old World deeply influenced pre-Columbian America. JS Wakefield’s work invites readers to reconsider the history of ancient exploration, recognizing the sophisticated knowledge of navigation and celestial alignment that allowed early mariners to bridge the gap between continents.
As more evidence emerges, the lines between Stonehenge, pre-Columbian America, and the broader history of megalithic culture continue to blur, revealing a rich and interconnected world of ancient history that shaped the foundations of modern civilization.