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The 12th Planet

The 12th Planet

by Zecharia Sitchin 2007 438 pages
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Key Takeaways

1. Sumerian Civilization Emerged with Unprecedented Abruptness

"With stunning abruptness . . . there appears in this little Sumerian mud garden . . . the whole cultural syndrome that has since constituted the germinal unit of all the high civilizations of the world."

Inexplicable flowering. Around 3800 B.C., Sumerian civilization blossomed suddenly in Mesopotamia, exhibiting an advanced culture without any discernible precursor. This rapid development encompassed complex societal structures, sophisticated technologies, and profound knowledge across various fields. Scholars have consistently noted the astonishing speed and completeness of its emergence.

Advanced achievements. The Sumerians pioneered numerous "firsts" that laid the foundation for subsequent civilizations. These included:

  • Writing and printing (cylinder seals)
  • Mathematics (sexagesimal system, 360-degree circle)
  • Astronomy (zodiac, planetary movements, calendar)
  • Metallurgy (bronze, kilns, metal mining)
  • Agriculture (irrigation, domestication of plants and animals)
  • Law codes, social reforms, medicine, and organized schools

A puzzling leap. This sudden leap from primitive Stone Age existence to a highly organized, technologically advanced society within a mere 3,600 years baffled scholars. The conventional evolutionary timeline for human development could not account for such an abrupt and comprehensive cultural explosion, suggesting an external, non-indigenous influence.

2. The Nefilim: Beings Who Descended from a Twelfth Planet

"The Nefilim were upon the Earth, in those days and thereafter too, when the sons of the gods cohabited with the daughters of the Adam, and they bore children unto them. They were the mighty ones of Eternity - The People of the shem."

Divine visitors. Ancient Mesopotamian texts, echoed in the Old Testament, describe anthropomorphic beings called Nefilim ("those who were cast down") who came to Earth from the heavens. These "Gods of Heaven and Earth" were physically similar to humans but possessed extraordinary powers and advanced knowledge. They were the "People of the Shem," referring to their skyborne vehicles.

Anthropomorphic nature. Unlike abstract deities, the Nefilim were depicted with human-like emotions, relationships, and needs. They ate, drank, loved, fought, and procreated, even having offspring with human women. This physical and emotional resemblance to humanity is a recurring theme in ancient narratives, explaining why humans were created "in their image and likeness."

Biblical corroboration. The Book of Genesis, particularly Chapter 6, explicitly mentions the "sons of the gods" taking "daughters of man" as wives, resulting in "mighty ones of Eternity." This biblical account, often allegorized by theologians, is interpreted by Sitchin as a literal record of the Nefilim's presence and interaction with early humanity.

3. Ancient Texts Detail a Cosmic Collision That Formed Earth

"The 'Epic of Creation' perfectly explains the events that probably took place in our solar system."

Cosmogonic narrative. The Sumerian "Epic of Creation" (Enuma Elish) is reinterpreted as a scientific account of the formation of our solar system, not a myth. It describes a primeval universe with three bodies: Apsu (the Sun), Mummu (Mercury), and Tiamat (a primordial planet).

Planetary births. The epic details the sequential formation of other planets:

  • Lahmu and Lahamu (Mars and Venus)
  • Anshar and Kishar (Saturn and Jupiter)
  • Anu and Nudimmud (Uranus and Neptune)
  • Gaga (Pluto), initially a satellite of Anshar

The Twelfth Planet's arrival. A new, large planet, Marduk (the Nefilim's home planet, Nibiru), entered the solar system from outer space. Its gravitational pull caused celestial turmoil, leading to a collision with Tiamat. Marduk's satellites ("winds") struck Tiamat, splitting her in two. One half became Earth, pushed into a new orbit, while the other half was shattered to form the asteroid belt. Tiamat's primary satellite, Kingu, was reduced in size and became Earth's Moon.

4. The Nefilim Possessed Advanced Spacefaring Technology

"The astounding result is a picture of a rocket-propelled spaceship, with a landing craft docked into it perfectly - just as the lunar module was docked with the Apollo 11 spaceship!"

Skyborne vehicles. The Nefilim utilized sophisticated flying machines, referred to as "mu" or "shem" in Sumerian texts, and "chariots of fire" or "whirlwinds" in biblical accounts. These were not mythical constructs but actual rocket ships capable of interplanetary travel and atmospheric flight. Ancient depictions show conical chambers, multi-stage rockets, and jet engines.

Astronaut attire. Inanna/Ishtar's detailed description of her "ME-attire" for celestial journeys, along with archaeological finds like the "Goddess with a Vase" statue, suggest specialized gear. This included:

  • Helmets with earphones (SHU.GAR.RA)
  • Goggles
  • Straps and breastplates
  • Cylindrical objects (possibly instruments or power sources)
    This attire is consistent with that of modern astronauts, indicating a functional purpose for space travel.

Ground infrastructure. The Nefilim established elaborate ground facilities to support their space operations. Sippar served as their primary spaceport, equipped with launch towers (ziggurats) and landing beacons. Nippur functioned as a "Mission Control Center" (Dur.An.Ki), featuring communication towers and a "Tablet of Destinies" (possibly computer programs for flight guidance).

5. Earth Was the Seventh Planet, a Key Stop in Their Journey

"Only the Nefilim, traveling to Earth past Pluto, Neptune, Uranus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars, could have considered Earth 'the seventh.'"

Celestial numbering. The Sumerians and other ancient cultures consistently assigned numerical ranks to their principal deities, which corresponded to the planets. Earth was designated as the "seventh planet" by the Nefilim. This count makes sense only if one approaches the solar system from its outer fringes, past Pluto, Neptune, Uranus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars.

Planetary epithets. The names given to the planets by the Sumerians often reflected their role or appearance during the Nefilim's journey:

  • Pluto (SHU.PA): "Supervisor of the SHU," guarding the approach.
  • Neptune (IRU/HUM.BA): "Loop" or "swampland vegetation," indicating a wide curve or watery planet.
  • Uranus (Kakkab Shanamma/EN.TI.MASH.SIG): "Planet which is the double" or "planet of bright greenish life."
  • Saturn (TAR.GALLU): "The great destroyer," possibly due to its rings or gravitational hazards.
  • Jupiter (Barbaru/SAG.ME.GAR): "Bright one" or "great one, where the space suits are fastened," suggesting a point for donning protective gear.
  • Mars (UTU.KA.GAB.A): "Light established at the gate of the waters," referring to the asteroid belt.
  • Earth (SHU.GI): "Right resting place of SHU," the destination.

Flight path blueprint. A circular clay tablet, interpreted as a planisphere, depicts a route map for a space voyage from the Nefilim's planet to Earth. It marks way stations (Jupiter, Mars) and provides operational instructions for descent, including firing "rockets" and navigating over "mountains." This ancient document serves as a flight manual, confirming the Nefilim's advanced navigational capabilities.

6. The Nefilim Colonized Earth Primarily for Precious Metals

"The evidence suggests that Man's own infatuation with these metals has its roots in the great need of the Nefilim for gold."

Resource acquisition. The primary motivation for the Nefilim's colonization of Earth was the acquisition of precious metals, particularly gold. Gold was essential for their advanced technology, possibly for microelectronic assemblies, guidance circuitry, or even as a shield for their planet's atmosphere.

The Abzu: Land of Mines. Enki, the chief scientist, was put in charge of the Abzu, which is reinterpreted not as a "watery deep" but as "primeval deep source" or "gold mine." This region, identified as southern Africa, was rich in gold and other valuable minerals.

  • Sumerian pictographs for metals and mining terms depict mine shafts.
  • Texts refer to "Mount Arali: home of the gold."
  • Archaeological discoveries in southern Africa confirm ancient mining operations dating back tens of thousands of years, predating modern human capabilities.

Specialized operations. The Nefilim developed sophisticated mining and metallurgical processes. Ea (Enki) was hailed as "lord of mining," and his son Gibil was in charge of fire and smelting. Ores were transported by specialized "ships for ores of the Lower World" to processing centers like Bad-Tibira ("foundation of metalworking").

7. Humanity Was Genetically Engineered to Serve the Gods

"The Nefilim did not 'create' Man out of nothing; rather, they took an existing creature and manipulated it, to 'bind upon it' the 'image of the gods.'"

Mutiny of the Anunnaki. The rank-and-file Nefilim, the Anunnaki, rebelled against the arduous labor in the mines, which had lasted for 40 "shars" (144,000 Earth years). Their complaints of "excessive toil" and "heavy work" led to a mutiny against Enlil, the Earth Commander.

The solution: Primitive Worker. To resolve the labor crisis, Enki proposed creating a "Primitive Worker" (Lulu Amelu) to bear the toil of the gods. This new being, "Man," would be fashioned by the Mother Goddess (Ninhursag) using existing hominids.

  • The creation took place around 300,000 years ago.
  • It involved mixing divine "blood" (genes) with earthly "clay" (female ovum of Homo erectus).
  • The process was akin to genetic manipulation, resulting in a hybrid.

Acquisition of "knowing." Initially, the first Homo sapiens were sterile, like mules. The biblical "Tree of Knowing Good and Evil" and the "Serpent" (interpreted as Enki, "he who finds things out") represent the genetic intervention that bestowed upon mankind the ability to procreate. This act, defying Enlil's wishes, allowed humans to reproduce independently, leading to their expulsion from the Garden of Eden.

8. The Great Deluge Was a Predictable, Natural Catastrophe

"Our conclusion is that the events of the Deluge relate to Earth's last ice age and its catastrophic ending."

Cosmic trigger. The Deluge was not a divine punishment but a natural, albeit catastrophic, event caused by the periodic return of the Twelfth Planet (Nibiru) to Earth's vicinity. Its immense gravitational pull disrupted Earth's ice sheets, leading to a sudden and massive melting, causing global floods.

Foreknowledge and secrecy. The Nefilim, with their advanced astronomical knowledge, foresaw the impending catastrophe. They swore an oath to keep the Deluge a secret from mankind, intending to let humanity perish while they escaped. Enki, however, defied this oath and secretly warned Atra-Hasis (the Sumerian Noah).

Escape to orbit. As the Deluge began, the Nefilim fled Earth in their rocket ships, ascending to their orbiting spacecraft ("heavens of Anu"). From orbit, they witnessed the devastation, experiencing thirst and hunger in their cramped vessels, and lamenting the destruction of their "creatures."

9. Mankind's Survival Led to a New Era of Coexistence

"Mankind was saved and allowed to procreate. The gods opened up Earth to Man."

Enki's defiance. Enki provided Atra-Hasis with precise instructions to build a submersible vessel ("Apsu boat," a submarine) and guided him to the Mounts of Ararat, a pre-selected landing site. The signal for boarding was the launch of Nefilim rockets from Sippar.

Post-Deluge reconciliation. After the waters receded, the Nefilim landed on Ararat. Enlil, initially furious at mankind's survival, was appeased by Atra-Hasis's sacrifice and Enki's arguments. Recognizing their dependence on humans for labor and food, the gods blessed mankind to "be fruitful and multiply."

Rebuilding civilization. The Deluge marked a clear division in history: pre-Diluvial and post-Diluvial. Humanity, now capable of procreation and with renewed divine guidance, was allowed to return to Mesopotamia. This led to the re-establishment of cities, agriculture, and the foundations of human civilization, with humans serving the gods and "calling upon the name of the Deity."

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Review Summary

3.99 out of 5
Average of 5.9K ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

The 12th Planet by Zecharia Sitchin receives polarized reviews averaging 3.99/5 stars. Supporters praise his translation of Sumerian cuneiform tablets proposing ancient astronauts (Anunnaki) created humanity 445,000 years ago, finding connections between Sumerian texts and Biblical narratives fascinating. Critics dismiss it as pseudoscience with incorrect translations, lack of citations, and outrageous theories about planet Nibiru's 3,600-year orbit. Most agree the book requires open-mindedness and significant time investment. Common complaints include density, repetitiveness, and difficulty distinguishing fact from speculation, though many find the ancient Sumerian mythology compelling regardless of believability.

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About the Author

Zecharia Sitchin was born in Baku, Azerbaijan, and raised in Palestine, where he developed expertise in modern and ancient Hebrew, Semitic languages, and Near Eastern history and archeology. He was among few scholars capable of reading ancient Sumerian and Akkadian clay tablets. Sitchin graduated from the London School of Economics, University of London, majoring in economic history. He worked as a journalist and editor in Israel for many years. His controversial books proposing ancient astronaut theories have been widely translated into multiple languages, converted to braille, and featured across radio and television platforms, sparking ongoing debate about humanity's origins.

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