Review of THE OLDEST EUROPEANS

THE OLDEST EUROPEANS is a candid, well-researched small press book. The themes will apeal to New Age enthusiasists, art historians,  feminists, and those interested in digging deeper into the ancient world shown in popular movies as Troy, 300, and Sparta.

Among the refreshingly non-mainstream ideas is that of the matrilineal and matrifocal origins of European civilisations. In the Europe of long ago, women held leadership positions, and had legal rights to property and political lineage. An eye-opening and provocative idea in a time when female choice and prestige is diminished in Islamic and Western nations alike.

Our consciousness lends credibility to this notion, witness the global fascination with such works as THE DA VINCI CODE. It is no coincidence that Mary features so strongly in Christianity, along with Isis and Athena in pagan religions. What is fresh and provocative about this book is that it hasn't cleansed the mother goddess heritage in the interest of political correctness.

A compelling idea is that of the "hero" as the ruler chosen by the mother goddess. The myths of Heracles and the battle of Troy are interpreted as events associated with the ritual replacement of the king. This interpretation challenges current teaching of Greek myth as pretty fairy tale where the strong male predictably triumphs. There is also some discussion of blood rites and other rituals with spiritual and scientific associations. THE OLDEST EUROPEANS discusses these practices non-judgmentally with persuasive evidence.

A worthwhile read. Check it out on Amazon or at www.ajplace.com.