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Apkallu Quote by Graham Hancock

“The fullest account we have of Oannes is found in surviving fragments of the works of a Babylonian priest called Berossos who wrote in the third century BC. [...] Oannes did not do his work alone but was supposedly the leader of a group of beings known as the Seven Apkallu--the "Seven Sages"--who…” quote by Graham Hancock
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““The fullest account we have of Oannes is found in surviving fragments of the works of a Babylonian priest called Berossos who wrote in the third century BC. [...] Oannes did not do his work alone but was supposedly the leader of a group of beings known as the Seven Apkallu--the "Seven Sages"--who were said to have lived "before the flood" (a cataclysmic global deluge features prominently in many Mesopotamian traditions, including those of Sumer, Akkad, Assyria and Babylon). Alongside Oannes, these sages are portrayed as bringers of civilization who, in the most ancient past, gave humanity a moral code, arts, crafts and agriculture and taught them architectural, building and engineering skills.””

Graham Hancock

About This Quote

Source Book: Fingerprints of the Gods, Graham Hancock, 1995

Ancient Mesopotamian lore describes Oannes and the Seven Apkallu as civilizational benefactors who taught humanity essential skills and moral codes.

In simple terms: Ancient sages taught humanity arts, morals, and technology.

Key Takeaway

Study ancient wisdom for modern insight.

Themes

mythology ancient history civilization knowledge transfer

Mood

curious reflective inquisitive

Type

historical philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • archaeology
  • education
  • creative writing
  • spiritual reflection

Key Concepts

cultural diffusion mythic archetypes historical speculation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What lessons from ancient myths apply today?
  • How do we verify ancient knowledge?
A Different Perspective

Historical accuracy is debated; sources are fragmentary.

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