History

The ancient Sumerian civilization, which flourished in Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) between the 4th and 3rd millennium BCE, produced a rich legacy of art and literature that offers tantalizing glimpses into their world and beliefs. Among the many fascinating artifacts left behind by the Sumerians are depictions of flying machines or vehicles that have sparked interest and speculation in recent years.

One of the most well-known examples of a supposed Sumerian flying machine is the "winged disk" or "flying sun" motif that appears in numerous Sumerian and Akkadian artworks. This motif consists of a disk or circle with wings, sometimes accompanied by humanoid figures or other symbols. Some researchers have suggested that the winged disk represents a type of aircraft, possibly of extraterrestrial origin, that the ancient Sumerians encountered or used. 

Another intriguing example of ancient Sumerian flying machines can be found in the so-called "Gudea cylinders," a series of cylindrical clay tablets dating back to the 22nd century BCE that depict the construction of a temple by the Sumerian ruler Gudea. Among the scenes depicted on the cylinders are several that show what appear to be flying machines, including circular objects with protruding rods or antennas that are being carried or transported by human figures.

While some researchers believe that these and other examples of Sumerian flying machines offer compelling evidence of advanced technology or extraterrestrial contact in ancient times, others are more skeptical. They argue that the depictions may represent purely symbolic or mythological concepts, rather than actual machines or vehicles.

Research

If you are interested in researching the links between Sumerian art and UAPs further, there are several resources you might find useful. One good starting point is the book "The Gods of Eden" by William Bramley, which explores the idea that ancient civilizations were visited by extraterrestrial beings. Another useful resource is the website "Sumerian Shakespeare," which features detailed analysis of Sumerian art and literature and offers alternative interpretations of many of the flying machine depictions.

People

Samuel Noah Kramer - an American historian and Assyriologist who made significant contributions to the study of Sumerian civilization, mythology, and art.

Henri Frankfort - a Dutch archaeologist and orientalist who conducted extensive research on Sumerian art and culture.

Thorkild Jacobsen - a Danish-American historian and Assyriologist who made important contributions to the study of Sumerian religion, mythology, and art.

Zainab Bahrani - an Iraqi-American archaeologist and art historian who has written extensively on Sumerian art and its cultural significance.

Joan Aruz - an American art historian and curator who has curated several exhibitions on ancient Near Eastern art, including Sumerian art.

Dominique Collon - a British archaeologist and curator who has conducted research on ancient Near Eastern art, including Sumerian art.

Harriet Crawford - a British archaeologist and historian who has published several books on Sumerian art and civilization.

Giovanni Curatola - an Italian art historian and archaeologist who has written extensively on Sumerian art and its relationship to Mesopotamian culture.

Richard L. Zettler - an American archaeologist and curator who has conducted research on ancient Near Eastern art and has curated several exhibitions on Sumerian art.

Jean Bottéro - a French historian and Assyriologist who made significant contributions to the study of Sumerian civilization and art.

Books