11th-13th July 1997. The 2nd SIS Cambridge Conference, Fitzwilliam College. (Organised by The Society for Interdisciplinary Studies)

See also: Proceedings of the Second SIS Cambridge Conference

The second SIS Cambridge Conference brought together historians, archaeologists, climatologists and astronomers in order to discuss whether the 'giant comet' hyopothesis brought forward by neo-catastrophist astronomers such as Victor Clube, Bill Napier, Sir Fred Hoyle, David Asher, Mark Bailey, Duncan Steel et al. can be substantiated by the archaeological, climatological and historical record.

Archaeology and Geology

Ever since Claude Schaeffer published his book "Stratigraphie Comparee et Chronologie L'Asie Occidentale" in 1948, there had been continuous scientific debate about the nature and extent of the destructions of Bronze Age civilisations. Schaeffer claimed that the repeated collapses of Bronze Age cultures were not caused by the action of man but instead by seismic activity. During the last decade, eminent archaeologists have substantiated his claim and have linked destruction layers in Aegean and Near Eastern sites with natural disasters rather than with military conquests. The interpretation, however, which maintains that destruction layers are caused by seismic catastrophes, has been disputed due to the ambiguity of the stratigraphical record. The need for an accurate methodology of verifying the actual cause, extent and synchronicity of Bronze Age destructions was therefore considered to be essential.

Astronomy

Research in the field of astronomical neo-catastrophism and impact cratering had quickened its pace since the early 1980s. An increasing number of astronomers had suggested that a series of cosmic disasters punctuated the Earth in prehistoric times. Scholars such as Victor Clube, Bill Napier, Mark Bailey, Fred Hoyle, David Asher and Duncan Steel claimed that a more 'active' and threatening sky might have caused major cultural changes of Bronze Age civilisations, belief systems and religious rituals. Could the astronomical evidence brought forward by these astronomers be substantiated by historical, archaeological and climatological evidence?

Culture

In light of new astronomical and archaeological theories and the emergence of scientific neo-catastrophism, it seemed necessary to re-assess the origins and cultural implications of apocalyptic religions and catastrophe traditions in ancient mythologies and rituals. In particular, the significant cultural and religious changes at the beginning of the Bronze Age and those which occurred after its final collapse would be re-evaluated.

Organising Committee

• Prof Mark Bailey (Armagh Observatory)
• Prof Trevor Palmer (Nottingham Trent University)
• Dr Benny J Peiser (Liverpool John Moores University)

For further details, contact

Dr Benny J Peiser
Liverpool John Moores University
School of Human Sciences
Byrom Street
Liverpool L3 3AF
United Kingdom

Tel 0151-231 2490. Fax 0151 298 1261
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