The Mystery of the Ancient Cup

By Peter Churan

From a simple purchase of a few old pieces at a local flea market to years of extensive research into their chemistry, designs and religious significance, the author takes the reader on a journey back millennia when meteorites left an indelible impact on early civilizations.

Like a treasure hunt in reverse, the reader is transported to 9,080 years ago, when a plain glass cup with a metal handle and base was made of raw materials from out of this world.

The radiocarbon dating, glass chemistry, historical accounts, designs and probable travel path paint a fascinating journey from the Black Sea and throughout Europe to Canada, as well as the guardians of the ancient cup from its pagan roots through religious sects.

The author, current guardian of the cup and pieces, has painstakingly researched the cup over the last seventeen years, and offers an objective historical lesson for readers to evaluate the findings on their own, and to reach their own conclusions. Could these be the Last Supper pieces?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tellwell Talent
• Release date: Aug 25, 2021
• ISBN: 9780228862086

Peter Churan

Peter has embraced many life lessons through sports and business, instilling in him the willingness to never give up when all seemed lost. These lessons were very much a part of his life from a very early age, and Peter attributes these qualities to his parents, other elders, his past coaches and other inspiring teammates. From the age of eighteen, he enjoyed the thrill of the hunt in antiquing, discovering and tracing the history and stories behind his acquisitions. This passion carried forward later in life, and now, with humility and respect, he brings the ancient set of four pieces, the Aphrodite statue and Pal Alcobaca vase to light with a desire to help the poor and sick. He has decided to bring his research forward so that his efforts to date are not lost with the passage of time, and with the hope that the work he started will be continued by others who honour mankind's past. This is Peter's first book.

Book preview

Copyright © 2021 by Peter Churan

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Tellwell Talent

www.tellwell.ca

ISBN

978-0-2288-6207-9 (Paperback)

978-0-2288-6208-6 (eBook)

Dedicated to my parents,

Helene and Miroslav Churan.

Contents

Preface/Disclaimer

Introduction

Chapter 1 A Trip to the Flea Market—The Purchase

Chapter 2 The Historical Journey—The Skies

Chapter 3 The Research Behind the Ancient Cup and Accessory Pieces

Chapter 4 My Perceived Travel Path of the Subject Pieces Based on Designs and Historical Accounts

Chapter 5 Travel Path of the Ancient Cup and Accessory Pieces

Chapter 6 Supporting Events and Timelines

Chapter 7 All Roads Lead to … Sudbury?

Chapter 8 Inscriptions Tell Part of the Story

Chapter 9 The Role of Numerology in Supporting External Pieces

Chapter 10 The Subject Pieces, Crimea and Atlantis

Chapter 11 Aphrodite—A Research Overview

Chapter 12 The Ursulines, Augustines and Maronites

Chapter 13 Design/Chemical Results

Chapter 14 My Overview of the Metal Colouration

Chapter 15 Brief History of Chemical Testing—My Perspective

Chapter 16 My Thought Process of the Chemical Testing to Date

Chapter 17 The Significance of the Handle on the Ancient Cup

Chapter 18 What Does It All Mean? My Perspective

Chapter 19 My Perspective on What The Bible Says

Chapter 20 Coincidence, Or Just Lucky?

Chapter 21 Conclusions—Reverse Trace of Travel Path and Numerology

Chapter 22 Of Liberty and Freedom

Chapter 23 The Last Word

Acknowledgements

Travel Path by Religious Designs

Travel Path by Religious Stories

Author’s Note

Preface/Disclaimer

Please note that, while I have taken great pains to provide accurate and honest research results in chemistry and designs/inscriptions, further verification will be necessary in the future.

I shall not entertain, negotiate or be willing to negotiate, by any means, the fate of the pieces until approvals are received from the Department of Canadian Heritage as per legislation in alliance with the regulations put forth in the UNESCO 1970 Convention pertaining to cultural pieces from outside Canada, along with any other laws which may pertain to the pieces.

As the pieces were located in Canada long before 1970 and were legally purchased under current government guidelines, I am the legal owner and I am adhering to government regulations to the best of my abilities.

Due to the recent Covid-19 outbreak, full guidance has been difficult, but I am acting in good faith, recognizing and taking the proper steps so that the pieces are protected and can move forward in the proper legal manner, and that all cultural groups are recognized.

Given the radiocarbon dating of the glue of 7060 BCE (9,282 years ago), a modern country never owned the subject cup, nor were the pieces found in water or buried in the ground. They were sold or passed on through the ages and on many occasions within Canada. It is clear that I am the rightful owner, but proper steps are my wish to have full clearance of the pieces.

The rust on the metal rods attached to the inside of the Aphrodite statue, radiocarbon-dated to 1168 BCE, was most likely created in the Black Sea area.

I have further undertaken extensive research in order to show the travel path of the pieces to the best of my abilities in respect to cultural properties and government regulations.

This book is copyright-protected and shall not be reproduced or distributed without the writer’s written permission and authorization. I acknowledge that many of the inscriptions are layered and should be further studied under a superior magnification system for clarity and verification. The findings within offer legitimate starting points for many areas to further research.

—Peter Churan, 2021

Introduction

The earliest known glass pieces created by man were painstaking and time-consuming to craft and, in many cases, depending on the colour of the glass, were also used for religious purposes.

Glassblowing evolved over time in Old Syria until the Romans improved on the process and began mass production. Until then, glass was a very rare commodity and at times, more precious than gems.

This resulted in a select group of suitors, mostly royalty and the more prominent temples using the glass for their religious purposes.

The set of four glass pieces with metal feet, though not of gold or silver, would have fit this select group.

The radiocarbon dating on the glue that attaches a handle on the amber cup dates back to 7060 BCE, predating blown glass and possibly the oldest glass cup on earth.

For a piece of glass to be safeguarded for thousands of years is remarkable—a miracle, really—considering world events, social upheavals, war and exiles of peoples through the past 10,000 years.

Think about it: the pieces entertaining people from all facets of life and bearing witness to all. It is a fascinating mystery of survival, significance and guardianship through the ages.

Discovered not long after the founding of this ancient glass object in a local flea market was the purchase of an Aphrodite statue, of which the rust on the iron rods that are attached on inside, is radiocarbon-dated to 1168 BCE. How, one wonders, can such ancient pieces end up in Canada?

I started this journey with no preconceived notions, no bias as to the outcome of the research, and remained as objective as possible using all methods available to me, yet I know deep inside that the pieces are genuine. Any intent that I have is to offer the truths and revelations that the pieces brought forward as concluded through its designs and chemistry.

For one reason or another, the pieces were ‘written off’ every step of the way by experts as they were easier to discount than to study in-depth. By taking the chemical results, solutions to the origin of the pieces became clearer with fewer obstacles along the way.

I came to the conclusion that as long as I could find the solutions to the test results, I would give the pieces their fair chance to prove themselves, despite going against all odds and perhaps that I would even be ridiculed. There are believers and non-believers, but I knew there was no one else to follow through. I knew I had the persistence, capabilities and ability to learn and adapt, and finally, to understand what was at stake for mankind.

Little did I know when I began just how immense the research was: analyze, read, evaluate and apply to the designs and chemistry. This simple, inconspicuous set is very complex and well-defended through designs.

The number of hours I spent trying to match the initial ROM chart to somewhere was immense until I found the match after reading of high levels of chromite at the headwaters of the Tigres and Euphrates River system. By luck, this brought me to the Black Sea area where the chemistry worked and the high chromite, as it turned out, came from meteorite sands. The hard work made up for my lack of knowledge and moved things forward in a positive way.

I remember looking at charts in the middle of the night with nothing but a flashlight during a somber period in my life when I couldn’t afford hydro. Some days were better than others and, each day, I made a point of finding at least one positive result for the pieces through my research. There were so many areas to decipher and decode, but eventually, it all came together.

Einstein also gave me motivation when he stated that if enough effort is put into an event, it will happen. That’s the law of physics and he was right. How do you question a man of his stature and scientific knowledge? I just took the attitude that, eventually, I would get to the finish line, not realizing in the beginning that I entered a marathon with an uphill track against the wind in a rainstorm.

On the other hand, I could feel my parents’ encouragement and guidance helping me along.

At the same time, in my mind, I travelled the world and learned of other people, areas and cultures that made it all a very rewarding learning experience highlighting the true values in life.

As confirmation of the pieces continued to evolve, they gave me the assurance that they were real, never disclosing more than I could handle, but enough to keep me going.

I came to the realization that, due to the amount of information supporting the pieces, I had to put the results in front of you, the reader, in an objective manner for you to decide. I converted the original research report into this book for all to read. There was just too much to tell.

Knowing the odds of this occurring and the pieces to be discovered are probably a billion-to-one, I had to complete the chemistry and other aspects of the research before coming forward. The radiocarbon dating of two of the pieces certainly makes a loud statement, especially given they were discovered in very good condition in a modern country like Canada.

The ‘who, what, where and why’ had to be answered, and I believe the designs on the pieces help give us the answers.

It wasn’t an easy decision to come forward with the pieces in this fashion, but I believed it was necessary in order to preserve them for the future, to continue their journey, maintain their legacy, give people hope and answer a few questions.

Life is all about making positive changes for others, even if only to give hope, and due to the religious significance of the pieces, could affect many individuals in a positive fashion.

All research content in these pages is available in the public domain. The jigsaw puzzle just had to be put together, aided by the designs on the pieces. At times, ideas, concepts and results that evolved over my seventeen-year journey were continually revised as new paths were discovered.

It is hoped that this does not offend anyone or any group as it is not my intent in any fashion to impose my or anyone else’s will to cloud another person’s beliefs. Certain questions will arise and the research over time will be enhanced and modified.

Early examinations of the pieces by experts resulted in them being discounted within minutes because they are not made of silver or gold. They did not take the time to fully analyze the pieces.

The research shows the cup and accessory pieces have been in Canada long before 1970. Should the pieces be definitively confirmed, I would require clearances from the Canadian government to pass them along on their journey forward. Therefore, negotiations for their transfer are dependent on meeting the requirements set forth in international antiquities legislation.

With microscopic examination of the pieces, the markings indicate that they arrived in New France (modern day Canada) with the 1639 mission that brought three Ursulines and three Augustine Sisters and six Jesuits. The voyage is a very specific one in numbers and the pieces have been inscribed as such. At some point, the Maronites are also involved.

While more research is still required on the ancient cup and accessory pieces, I believe now is the time for the set to resurface to the world. They don’t often come to light, but in these troubled times, people are looking for hope. Perhaps the pieces can bring that hope to millions who seek it.

They say miracles do occur, but no one knows where or when, and they cannot be forced.

No matter who we are, eventually we all fall. We just don’t know when or how. I like to think these pieces were carried through millennia with inspiration and belief that they will aid the sick, the poor and give hope to others.

Looking forward, will the revelations enclosed in this book have that effect on the ones who need it the most? I’m not sure, but at least I wish to let them know that what is perceived as an ancient set exists that once travelled much of the world with that belief and hope.

I feel blessed in having played my part for the past 17 years—a blink of an eye—in that long journey. This is my story of the remarkable pieces and my time with them.

Chapter 1

A Trip to the Flea Market—The Purchase

The set of four ancient pieces was purchased at Uncle Rick’s Flea Market outside of Sudbury, Ontario. I remember my father was housebound at the time due to health reasons, and my mother didn’t have a driver’s license. So I would pick her up for groceries and other essentials, as well as go for a coffee.

I found Uncle Rick’s Flea Market by reading his sign on the outside of his building, and I dropped in out of curiosity to see the items he had for sale. My mother and I often went to together on these outings.

The facility had poor street appeal, and I was usually the only buyer there. It was an older, two-story house with the main floor at ground level, high ceilings and rows upon rows of shelves filled with various items. A set of stairs to the right led to the second floor, where I found a couple of glass display cases in the middle of the room for jewelry and small items, including some nice vases and bronze pieces. In the far right area, shelving units were filled with hundreds of old porcelain china cups.

The lighting was rather poor, and the ancient pieces were mixed among those cups, probably to save space.

The full set with ancient cup and three accessory pieces.

There were further outbuildings and a huge storage garage with a mix of items ranging from fridges and stoves, rocking chairs and what I now believe were old Native blankets and other items gathered throughout Northern Ontario and Quebec. According to the operator of Uncle Rick’s, much of the inventory was purchased from another flea market operator around Ramore, Ontario.

One sunny day, I brought my mother with me to Uncle Rick’s, and she loved it! We started going on a weekly basis. Most cups and saucers went for a dollar or two, the vases (some of which were hand-painted from different European countries) would sell for up to $5.

We would both spend five or ten dollars, mom would feel like a queen, we’d go for a coffee to talk about our acquisitions, and then head home. This was a regular outing until my father’s health took a turn for the worse and we couldn’t leave him alone.

My mother’s eyesight was poor at this time, and she was drawn to very shiny items. One day, she wanted to show me a very shiny item she purchased for only $2. I look a closer look, and didn’t have the heart to tell her of the dollar store sticker I found on the bottom. I told her she did well; she was too happy to say otherwise.

It was on one of these initial visits with her that I found and bought the set of four pieces, mixed among the cups and saucers. There were other finer glass pieces and vases that I purchased over time, filling about five tote bins! One of the vases turned out to be a Pal Alcobaca vase from Portugal and some wooden statues that are African in nature.

I remember going to the cash register with the ancient small green cup, the green candleholder and a bowl, all of similar colour. I thought the three may be part of an old set, but since they were not of silver or gold, I put very little value on them. I purchased the bowl for $5, and the other two pieces for $2 each.

While at the register, I decided to go back for an old amber cup that was with the other three, but didn’t think it was part of the grouping due to it being a different colour. I asked the price for the additional cup and for $2, I purchased it.

Between my mother and me, we didn’t have much cash on hand as we still wanted to go for our afternoon coffee, but for that price, I could not resist. When I brought my mother home, I placed the pieces in an old weathered credenza from the 1950s. It was about four feet high with a four-foot wide, six-inch high pull out drawer on the top part and two three-foot high glass doors about 18 inches wide, with mahogany trim in the lower part with the base shelf and two equally spaced shelves. I placed my purchases to rest between my mother’s china cups and saucers. Unless we had special visitors, these cups and saucers were never used.

The author’s mother briefly worked as a nurse’s aid at the first St. Joseph Hospital in Sudbury, Ontario.

I remember my father being fascinated by the ancient bowl as he sat at the kitchen table. He loved history and ancient cultures, and loved to read, but country and western movies and novels were his favourite. When he passed away and my mother’s health continued to deteriorate, I eventually moved her into a room in a small motel I owned in order to take better care of her.

The pieces were also moved to the motel and placed on shelves in the basement area.

An Aphrodite statue, originating at Uncle Rick’s and purchased for me by my girlfriend on an outing, sat on a four-foot open shelf in the lobby at the motel for about seven years. Patrons would see it and it was never compromised in all that time.

The statue was purchased at TNT Auction House just a couple of miles up the road from Uncle Rick’s. He would supply items to them on consignment at times.

Rust on iron rods attached to the inside of the Aphrodite statue was radiocarbon-dated to 1168 BCE.

On that day, while shopping with my girlfriend, I bought a small 12-inch bronze liberty statue by French artist Moreau, dating to about 1880. I paid $25 for it, but did not have the additional $75 for the larger, 34-1/2 inch Aphrodite statue, and we left. Later in the day, my girlfriend went back and purchased it for me. She saw how much I liked it and was kind enough to go back and get it for me.

Eventually, we went our separate ways, and the Moreau liberty statue was left with her.

No matter how well we try to possess things, eventually over time, they will be taken from us. Yet here is a perfect example of how groupings of objects can be separated. The Alcobaca vase and Ethiopian wood carving in the left part of the room, set of four to the right (one being a different colour from the others), and two statues of different sizes and prices at a different location.

It is possible that at one time, the grouping was once much larger, but I am more than happy with my result—whether by luck, chance or timing—of that day, with an outing and coffee with my mother.

Chapter 2

The Historical Journey—The Skies

Since mankind first drew on cave walls, he looked to the skies for inspiration, fascinated by the movement of the sun, moon and stars, and how it all might relate to his own life. As our earliest ancestors studied the skies, certain patterns were noticed, and were carved in stone to be discovered thousands of years later.

While many were rudimentary and depicted animals and people in daily life, these petroglyphs also included precise angles, some aligning to other sites and always created using simple tools.

To monitor the movement in the skies, sundials were created. Eventually, mankind associates the skies to the supreme beings of their time, as many constellations resembled the human form.

One of the most notable celestial objects was the meteorite with its dramatic and sudden appearance and equally sudden disappearance. A fireball speeding across the skies would be associated to creatures with wings amidst the flames, lighting the skies. There had to be a reason for such an exciting display. Was it a good omen or a bad omen?

Microscopic photo of supernatural being on a cloud as perceived by the ancients, found on Aphrodite statue relating to meteorite design.

Halley’s Comet is the most notable of these sightings, making its way across Earth’s skies on a 76-year trajectory, sometimes spitting rocks on villages below, causing death, injury, destruction and panic.

Were the supreme beings unhappy with man?

Eventually, spiritual sanctuaries were built to worship the sun, moon, stars and meteorites. Sacrificial offerings in the form of objects, animals and even people were made to appease the supreme beings. Those things that mattered most to humans would be spared to show their loyalty to their supreme beings.

As mankind becomes more knowledgeable about the skies, he maps and charts the movements. Sanctuaries are built to align to the skies at precise angles, and much of this information is found in petroglyphs. In this way, their history was recorded and future generations learned from the past.

It would not have been an easy task, carving on stone with crude instruments, but it certainly displayed a level of commitment of a people hoping to help others in the future. Unfortunately, we don’t always appreciate the undertaking of our ancestors to further help man in the future and to our present day.

The people of the past showed great skill and knowledge about the skies. Their perseverance to record history was an immense undertaking. The story of the dramatic meteorite event marked in petroglyphs in quartz caves, on clay tablets and, as it seems, a set of glass objects affixed to metal feet displaying many designs, sends us on a 9,000-year mysterious journey around the world.

The subject pieces each have designs on them that relate to the skies.

Chapter 3

The Research Behind the Ancient Cup and Accessory Pieces

This book focuses on the chemical analyses of metal and glass of the pieces, ancient religious designs, ancient workmanship, and the availability of materials.

Contained within these pages are the deciphering of the designs of the pieces, magnified inscriptions, chemical analyses, statements, descriptions, Biblical stories, accounts, ancient chalice designs and the impact of religious decrees along with clues left behind. Each design and chemical compound opens a new door until the creation of the pieces is determined.

The book started out as a research analysis of a set of four metal-footed glass pieces: a cup with a dragon-like serpent handle, a glass bowl whose colour ranges from emerald green to black, a small broken cup and a candleholder.

As I continued my research, however, additional supporting pieces were added to the grouping and eventually, the research paper became a book. Those additional pieces include a 34-inch bronze Greek statue, a wooden African statue, a vase from Hungary, a vase from Portugal, and an 1878 Moreau bronze statue, each providing clues to the Travel Path of the pieces.

Further support was found in numerology discovered on other items outside the grouping which also linked numerology to religious groups.

The chemical analyses of the glass are from three independent sources: The Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Ontario; Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario; and the University of Nottingham, U.K. The metal was tested at Integrity Laboratories, Markham, Ontario. Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario conducted analyses on both the glass (strontium and neodymium) and on the metal (lead)