Edited and compiled by Linda Eneix, ‘Archaeoacoustics: The Archaeology of Sound’ is a compilation of the publications and proceedings from a recent worlds-first conference in Malta. With more clinical studies exploring how sound effects brain activity, a group of world experts met for what was a timely meeting to construct multidimensional perspectives on ancient cultures and their fusion of acoustics with architecture. Above all, the book’s reports and insights give vital clues as to how modern humanity came to be.
Sarasota, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/15/2014 -- Scholars and pioneers in the fields of both architecture, ancient history and acoustics met on the island of Malta for a most unique and compelling conference. Their goal was to look at how sound was used in various ancient cultures, particularly in respect to some of the world’s oldest buildings.
The resulting findings, research and reports have been compiled into a powerful new volume, ‘Archaeoacoustics: The Archaeology of Sound’. The book holds more than just academic expertise; it is a vital insight into the very foundations of present-day civilization.
“The problem with traditional archaeology is that it is very visual and one dimensional,” explains Linda Eneix, Editor of the book and President of The Old Temples Study Foundation – which helps bridge different sciences to study the world’s oldest structures. “It misses a great opportunity to study human development; especially how sound was used in this context.”
Continuing, “Our recent conference brought together experts in archaeology, architecture, art history, acoustic engineering, anthropology, psychology and music history. Collectively we were able to build a better understanding of sound’s important role within the ritual and ceremonial spaces through which humans have evolved.”
Among the book’s many reports, an abundance of new information comes to light, including:
- Why the builders of a five thousand year old underground necropolis enhanced the naturally weird sound behavior of the space and created an environment that is still just as bone-chilling as it must have been in prehistory. Echoes that lasted as long as 7-8 seconds vibrated the air throughout a warren of chambers and brought reactions that varied from a calm sense of relaxation to one of terror.
- How cultures that made underground shrines for the dead also built the world's oldest freestanding buildings: megalithic temples that are older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
- Unambiguous evidence that sound was a factor in the birth of sacred architecture.
- How ancient people likely used sound to alter consciousness and communicate with "the divine".
- How ancient builders knew how to manipulate a desired human psychological and physiological experience, whether they could explain it or not.
Eneix believes that this renewed understanding is extremely pertinent to modern-day society and science.
“Modern healing and behavioral therapy is already being shaped by new research into the effect of sound on brain activity; it’s as if ancient sites have finally given up their secrets! This book is unique due to its multi-disciplinary approach and ability to be put to use across dozens of different industries. It’s easy for anyone to understand and opens up new doors of understanding in areas of ancient religion, behavior and music history,” she adds.
Reviews for the book have been extremely complimentary. For example, Fernando C. comments, “So full of information it makes my head spin. For somebody who likes to wonder about ancient people and what they did, and maybe what they knew that we don't know any more, this is a pretty amazing read. Not too dense and plenty of different authors so if one chapter gets too scientific, you can move on to the next one. I will read it more than once.”
‘Archaeoacoustics: The Archaeology of Sound’ is available now: http://amzn.to/1sFVR4z
For more information on The Old Temples Study Foundation, visit: http://otsf.org
About Linda Eneix
Linda Eneix has been studying and writing about Mediterranean megaliths for more than twenty years. Her articles and stories have appeared in numerous international magazines. Ms. Eneix also wrote and narrated a full length documentary video about the prehistoric temple culture of Malta. She has been consulted for film, television and print media in the USA and Europe, and has appeared on international television. Her research initiatives related to archaeoacoustics, combined with an architectural appreciation of the oldest freestanding buildings on earth have enabled fresh insight into interpretation of motivation and original function. She is responsible for the design and operation of educational programming for the highly rated "Malta-Keystone of Mediterranean History" program for Road Scholar. Ms. Eneix lives in Florida and works in Malta.