THE MYSTERY OF THE SHAMAN – An Archaeological Journey to our Beginnings

  • A new scientific thriller! Human history told through a moving individual fate.
  • 30,000 copies sold (previous title: 60,000)!
  • Recommended by New Books in German (Goethe Institute).
  • English sample translation available.

Exploring the roots of our existence: In search of the lost soul of humanity.

A 9,000-year-old grave: a woman, a child, the circumstances of death unknown. Discovered by the Nazis and exploited for their purposes, it sank into oblivion. A century later, a team of researchers embarks on reopening a unique archaeological cold case: the Shaman of Bad Dürrenberg. Leading the investigation is one of Europe's most prominent archaeologists: Harald Meller who also saved the Nebra Sky Disk for the public – and the results are sensational. The Shaman proves to be the key to a time when the fate of humanity was decided. The investigation delves into the roots of religion and spirituality, confronting us with questions about ourselves and our relationship with the world today. Archaeology has never been as current and exciting as in the case of this powerful and extraordinary woman.

"A highly exciting book! Harald Meller and Kai Michel showcase the power of precise analysis and modern research in unraveling our history." Hermann Parzinger, President of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation

"In terms of publishing USPs, it has the lot: prehistory; gender politics; shamanism; scandal and Nazi-era archaeological politics; a cracking detective story." Alison Sheridan, ex-President of the Prehistoric Society

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  • Publisher: Rowohlt Hardcover
  • Release: 18.10.2022
  • ISBN: 978-3-498-00301-2
  • 368 Pages
  • Authors: Harald MellerKai Michel

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Buchcover von THE MYSTERY OF THE SHAMAN – An Archaeological Journey to our Beginnings: Eine archäologische Reise zu unseren Anfängen
Harald Meller Kai Michel THE MYSTERY OF THE SHAMAN – An Archaeological Journey to our Beginnings
Portrait von Harald Meller
© Max Zerrahn
Harald Meller

Harald Meller , born in 1960 in Olching, is the State Archaeologist of Saxony-Anhalt, museum director, and a professor of archaeology in Halle an der Saale. He was involved in securing the Nebra Sky Disk at considerable personal risk. He is internationally recognized as one of the most prominent archaeologists and exhibition curators and has made numerous radio and TV appearances. Harald Meller led the excavations and research related to the Shaman of Bad Dürrenberg.

Portrait von Kai Michel
© Max Zerrahn
Kai Michel

Kai Michel , born in 1967 in Hamburg, is a historian and literary scholar. Together with Carel van Schaik, he explored the Bible as a "diary of humanity", published under the title Tagebuch der Menschheit.  In collaboration, they presented an award-winning analysis on the invention of gender inequality titled  Die Wahrheit über Eva . Michel co-authored the bestsellers  Die Himmelsscheibe von Nebra and Das Rätsel der Schamanin with archaeologist Harald Meller. He resides as an author in Zurich and in the Black Forest.