For centuries, the prevailing historical narrative has credited Christopher Columbus with the “discovery” of the Americas in 1492.

However, within the pages of this book, “Colonies on the Backside”, Jay Stuart Wakefield has challenged this Eurocentric viewpoint by arguing that multiple ancient cultures may have reached the Americas thousands of years earlier. Through archaeological evidence, cultural similarities, and maritime exploration theories, Wakefield presents a compelling case that ancient explorers from across the Atlantic and Pacific may have influenced early American civilizations.

Ancient Mariners and Early Transoceanic Contact

One of the most intriguing aspects of Wakefield’s research is his analysis of ancient maritime routes. Traditionally, historians have assumed that early seafaring civilizations lacked the technology to navigate vast oceans. However, Wakefield argues that ancient groups—including the Phoenicians, Egyptians, Celts, and even early Hebrews—had the knowledge and capability to cross the Atlantic.

Evidence suggests that these ancient navigators used celestial navigation, ocean currents, and advanced shipbuilding techniques to travel long distances. Wakefield draws on findings of copper mining in the Great Lakes region, arguing that Bronze Age Europeans may have ventured to North America in search of resources. Copper was a highly valuable commodity in the ancient world, and its presence in European artifacts suggests long-distance trade networks that may have extended across the Atlantic.

Archaeological Clues and Cultural Parallels

Wakefield presents a range of archaeological artifacts that challenge conventional wisdom. He highlights petroglyphs and rock carvings in North America that resemble Old World scripts and symbols. Some of these markings bear striking similarities to Phoenician or Celtic writing systems, raising questions about potential early contact between these cultures and indigenous American societies.

Additionally, Wakefield examines architectural similarities between ancient American and European megalithic structures. The precision of stone alignments and the use of astronomical markers in American sites suggest a shared knowledge base with Old World civilizations. Could these similarities be mere coincidence, or do they indicate a deeper historical connection?

The Case of the Beaker People and the Maritime Celts

One of the most intriguing theories Wakefield explores is the idea that the Beaker People—an ancient European culture known for their distinctive pottery and seafaring abilities—may have played a role in early transatlantic contact. He suggests that the Beaker People’s migration patterns, coupled with evidence of similar burial practices in North America, could indicate their presence in the New World long before Columbus.

Similarly, Wakefield discusses the possibility that the Celts, known for their extensive trade networks and oceanic explorations, could have reached the Americas. Celtic legends speak of lands across the western ocean, and some scholars believe that Irish monks or Norse-Celtic seafarers may have visited North America centuries before the Vikings.

Challenging Mainstream Archaeology

One of the most controversial aspects of Wakefield’s work is his critique of mainstream academic archaeology. He argues that traditional historians often dismiss evidence that contradicts established narratives. The reluctance to explore alternative theories, he suggests, stems from institutional biases rather than a lack of credible evidence.

By reexamining ancient texts, artifacts, and linguistic similarities, Wakefield calls for a more open-minded approach to history—one that acknowledges the possibility that various cultures “discovered” the Americas multiple times throughout history.

All in all, “Colonies on the Backside” presents a thought-provoking challenge to traditional history. If Wakefield’s theories hold merit, the Americas were not an isolated world waiting to be discovered in 1492 but rather a dynamic and interconnected part of global ancient civilizations. By reading this book, a number of readers who are interested in history would love to read this book to reconsider what they know about history and to question the long-held assumptions about who first set foot on American soil.