In 2010, the traditional theory of who we are and where we came from got knocked on its head. It was an exciting year. It was an exasperating year. It was a frustrating year. And it was a breathtaking time, all at once. But it was only the beginning. There is a common saying in scientific circles that ‘uncommon claims demand uncommon proof’. So, when a brand new human species that no one knew about was discovered, people awaited some pretty serious evidence.
Spread and Evolution of Denisovans (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Modern Skepticism Revisited
I have a confession to make. I was no different than anyone else. I was skeptical. Shortly after this time I was just beginning to do research for a book which would later turn out to be called Ancient Gods: Lost Histories, Hidden Truths and the Conspiracy of Silence. Reading a book that one has published some years ago, is like stepping into a time capsule. I like to think I am pretty open-minded and receptive to new research, but when I read what I wrote back then it makes me shudder. In a passage fairly dripping with disdain I wrote these words: