Table of Contents
Mauro Biglino begins by addressing his audience, stating that he and his group regularly follow news from Italian and foreign newspapers, especially those related to scientific and archaeological journals. He notes that at least once or twice a month, new discoveries are reported that challenge what was previously thought to be known, requiring a revision of dates or long-held beliefs.
Recent Archaeological Discovery
Biglino then discusses a recent discovery that has caught his group’s attention, which is related to Israel and is being monitored by the Israel Antiquities Authority. A shipwreck was found at a depth of one kilometer, 55 miles (88.51 kilometers) off the coast of Israel. This find has prompted experts to rethink the academic understanding of trade practices from the 14th or 13th century BCE.
Previously, it was believed that maritime trade at that time was conducted safely by sailing from one port to another, always keeping the coast in sight. However, this shipwreck suggests that sailors of that era navigated open waters, relying on celestial bodies to determine their routes. This discovery challenges previous beliefs about the maritime and astronomical knowledge of ancient peoples.
Re-Evaluating Ancient Knowledge
Biglino emphasizes that this new evidence forces a re-evaluation of what was thought to be known about the astronomical knowledge of ancient peoples. He draws a parallel with the Babylonians, who, as early as 1300-1200 BCE, used geometry to calculate the orbit of Jupiter. This suggests that stars were not merely objects of worship but were also used as tools for measurement.
The Story of Jonah and Its Implications
Biglino connects this discussion to the story of Jonah from the Bible. He quotes the passage where Jonah, trying to flee from Yahweh’s command, boards a ship to Tarshish (interpreted as Spain). The narrative implies that Jonah believed he could escape Yahweh’s presence by simply sailing away, which seems naive if Yahweh is indeed omnipotent and omnipresent.
“But Jonah ran away from Yahweh and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.”
Jonah 1:3
The Sea and Islands in the Bible
Biglino points out that the sea is a significant yet often overlooked element in the Bible. He highlights that the Bible mentions islands 32 times, including references to distant islands and those on the way to Tarshish. He also mentions the tribe of Dan, which was associated with seafaring, as noted in the Song of Deborah in the Book of Judges.
Yahweh’s Worship Beyond Israel
Biglino then discusses how the worship of Yahweh extended beyond Israel, even reaching places like Sardinia. He references his ongoing series of videos exploring the presence of Yahweh’s cult in Sardinia and the Greek islands’ mystery cults. This further supports the idea that the Bible’s world was not limited to nomadic shepherds but included a much broader and more complex maritime culture.
The Broader Implications of the Discovery
Biglino considers the broader implications of the recent shipwreck discovery, noting how it challenges the conventional understanding of ancient history. He compares this to other archaeological finds, such as Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe, which have similarly forced scholars to reconsider established historical timelines.
Conclusion
Biglino concludes by emphasizing the importance of keeping an open mind in light of these discoveries. He notes that the history of humanity is far more complex and fascinating than traditionally thought, and new findings constantly challenge and enrich our understanding. He encourages his audience to embrace these discoveries with enthusiasm, as they reveal the non-linear and intriguing nature of human history.
