The Oldest Europeans

J. F. Del Giorgio
A. J. Place (2006)
ISBN 9806898001
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (5/06)

Author J. F. del Giorgio has written a fascinating book that addresses the origins of the European culture.  In great depth, he discusses how women had strong roles early on.  Women inherited, men took on their mother’s names and kings were chosen by whom the daughter of the king married, not the son.

The Basques were a female structured society.  Del Giorgio
discusses the genetic and cultural ties between Basques, Irish, Scots, Welsh, Celts, Scandinavians, Etruscans, and Pelasgians.  Gene mapping shows how the Basques have spread out into other cultures.

An understanding of word and name origins shows how ancient cultures influenced and infiltrated others.  As the Indo-European culture invaded Europe, women actually began losing their status.  During the time that women had great power in the European culture, in other parts of the world they had diminished status and in many cases still do today.

A shocking example of this is demonstrated in India today.  In some areas, when a man dies his widow is burned to death because she is seen as having no value without him.

The book also covers an interesting discussion about how pagans and how some of their cultural traditions were carried over into Christian ones.  The pagan Candlemas became the Christian Christmas.  Del Giorgio believes that in some cultures sacrifice and cannibalism still are practiced today.  Hallucinogens continue to be used in ritual.  Mushrooms are usually used. Today, there is a village in India where women are induced into hallucinogenic states by being bitten by cobras.  Some die from this.

I found this book to be very interesting and informative.  It is obvious that a great deal of research went into writing it.  It is impossible to discuss everything that is covered in it because there is so much.  After reading “The Oldest Europeans,” it is good to keep as a reference book to refer back to. 

I recommend this book to people that are interested in their European ancestry, women’s issues or students of ancient history.  You will find it fascinating.

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