The Last Odyssey: A Thriller

by James Rollins

  Underland: A Deep Time Journey, by Robert Macfarlane

  I picked up the second bible for research and references, but I got lost in the wonderful writing, and was awed by the concept, and ultimately I found this book instrumental to the core of this novel. Still, my story barely scratches the surface of ancient technology, the blend of myth and science, that can be found in the following work. If you would like to know much more about the historical details and speculations raised in my novel, do read this book:

  Gods and Robots: Myths, Machines, and Ancient Dreams of Technology, by Adrienne Mayor

  That said, let’s do look deeper into the history raised in The Last Odyssey. And we’ll start all the way back in the Greek Dark Ages (from 1100 to 800 B.C.), what has been called the Homeric Age.

  Homer’s Iliad and the Odyssey

  I hinted at the true history buried in the myths of these two epic poems at the start of the novel. But I was not the first to explore that line between fact and fiction found in those stories. One of the earliest was the Greek historian Strabo, who in his travelogue of the ancient world—his multivolume masterwork Geographica (from 7 A.D.)—sought to do what I did in my story: to try to map out Odysseus’s fateful journey across the Mediterranean. Much of the speculation raised in this book (with the exception of the role of tectonics) came from Strabo’s texts.

  World War Zero

  Archaeologists and historians readily accept that there was a major Mediterranean-wide war that led to the downfall of three major Bronze Age civilizations: the Greek Myceneans, the Egyptians, and the Hittite kingdom of Anatolia. This conflict has been dubbed “World War Zero.” It was a corner of this war that Homer related in his twin epics. What remains a mystery that continues to today is: who attacked those civilizations and brought about the Greek Dark Ages? The prevailing opinion is that it was the enigmatic Sea People, but even their identity remains clouded in speculation. Some believe they were a coalition of various tribes, others that they belonged to another Anatolian kingdom called the Luwians. I, of course, have my own opinion on the subject, which is shared in this novel.

  The next section I’d like to tackle revolves around ancient knowledge, technology, and science. Let’s break it down into pieces.

  Banū Mūsā brothers and Ismail al-Jazari

  The Islamic Golden Age ran from the ninth to the thirteenth century. The three Banū Mūsā brothers were scientists and engineers at the beginning of that age, and Ismail al-Jazari continued on their tradition of innovation and design near the end. As related in this novel, the Banū Mūsā brothers did indeed preserve and build upon knowledge that was nearly lost following the fall of the Roman Empire. Though the fourth Banū Mūsā brother—Hunayn—is my own creation, much of his actions, interests, and skills were patterned after the three historical figures. It is also known that Ismail al-Jazari—who is sometimes referred to as one of the “fathers of robotics”—was greatly influenced by those three brothers’ work. As was someone else—

  Leonardo da Vinci

  Volumes of work have been written about Da Vinci, but one of the best is Walter Isaacson’s Leonardo da Vinci, which both humanizes the man and offers insight into his genius (do read it). So, I won’t go into great detail here. But as the Islamic Golden Age ended, men like Da Vinci did indeed pick up the torch that was nearly snuffed out, conserving and building on the knowledge of the Islamic world. Other details about Da Vinci in this novel were also based on real events. Leonardo did lug his poor Mona Lisa from country to country. He did perform anatomical dissections to better hone his paintings and sculptures. He also was called upon and commissioned by the French king—François I—to craft a mechanical golden lion, following the sacking of Milan.

  On to some specifics:

  Arabian Dhow

  The ship locked in ice at the beginning of the story is based on a Sambuk design. These large dhows were not only oceangoing but often exploratory. The Islamic world should be thanked for all their many contributions to navigation, mathematics, and astronomical studies. Including one very important element of this novel—

  Spherical Astrolabes

  Oxford University’s History of Science Museum was kind enough to permit me to use the pictures in this book of the only known example of a spherical astrolabe. The technology and use of such devices found in this novel is accurate, from the universality of these astrolabes to the rods used to “program” them to different latitudes. Even the name inscribed on their astrolabe was a bit of serendipity. I had already been writing about the Banū Mūsā brothers in this novel, and lo and behold, who had signed the astrolabe at Oxford University: someone named Mūsā. Read into that what you’d like.

  Ancient Automatons

  Ah, now we’re getting to the crux of my story. It seems we’re always underestimating the technology of ancient peoples. They keep surprising us, even now. I had a chance to study the Antikythera mechanism at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, a Greek device dated to the first century B.C. It was discovered aboard a shipwreck in 1901, but it would take until we were developing our own computers that the mechanism’s purpose and design became known. Most archaeologists now accept that it is the first known analog computer.

  Still, the litany of amazing Greek automated designs is astounding. So much so that the Greeks incorporated them into their legends of Hephaestus and Daedalus (who some speculate could have indeed been a historical figure). But historians and archaeologists have documented countless designs of self-operating mechanisms, cunning automatons, and yes, those “Ingenious Mechanical Devices” of the Banū Mūsā brothers and Ismail al-Jazari. I could fill pages on this very subject, but luckily someone already did. I’ll refer you to the second of the two bibles listed above.

  Greek Fire and Promethean Flames

  Those Hellenistic pyros did invent a great war weapon known as “Greek Fire.” It terrified sailors and was critical to winning many battles. The infernal liquid was said to be ignited by water and could not be doused by it. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), the recipe for making Greek Fire has been lost to antiquity. Speculations abound regarding how it was crafted.

  This novel touches upon similar concoctions found in the myths and stories surrounding the sorceress Medea, who helped Jason of the Argonauts defeat all manner of fiery mechanical automatons, from Talos of Crete to the Colchis Bulls. It is said she did develop two important potions: Medea’s Oil (which possessed the secret to an unquenchable fire, a gift from Prometheus, and very much like Greek Fire) and Promethean (what I called “Promethean Blood” in the novel, which was a black potion that could grant one resistance to fire, and if consumed, the ability to ward off arrows and spears). It made me wonder: If Greek Fire was historical—and very much like Medea’s Oil—could Promethean Blood be real, too?

  Tartarus/Tartessos/Tarshish

  The section in the novel relating to the myths and historical history of the three abovementioned cities is as accurate as I could make it. The Greek historian Strabo also believed that Homer’s Tartarus and the rich Spanish city of Tartessos were the same place. And later others believed the biblical city of Tarshish was just a new spelling of that same mysterious metropolis. Even the speculation about all three cities being home to an advanced civilization was not born of my own imagination, but instead, based on more scholarly (and controversial) research.

  Tectonic Plates

  The map of tectonic plates used in this novel is accurate. What I found again to be a bit of serendipity was how many of Strabo’s theories regarding the true locations of the mythic islands and ports of Homer’s Odyssey ended up falling along the line between the African tectonic plate and its Eurasian neighbor to the north. Does this mean anything? If you read this novel, you know it does.

  Okay, that’s enough of history and ancient science. Let’s address a few locations.

  Iceland

  Maria and Kowalski do spend a bit of time soaking in hot water before they find themselves in re
al hot water. I was lucky enough to spend an afternoon enjoying the Blue Lagoon’s Retreat. To honor that, I tried to be as accurate as possible, but then again, I did have a few of those green banana/rum concoctions, so go check out the place yourself. I suggest you read The Last Odyssey there. On a minor note, the United States does operate a group of P-8 Poseidon jets out of Iceland to aid in tracking and hunting submarines. And considering this novel delves into Greek history and Sea People, how could I not feature military planes named after the Greek god of the oceans?

  Helheim Glacier and Greenland

  Most of the details and specifics of this part of the novel are true, from the Red House hotel in Tasiilaq to the dynamics and threat to Greenland’s glaciers. While I’ve never personally rappelled into one of those frozen whirlpools called a moulin, I did consult a caving buddy who did. After his harrowing story, I’d rather take my chances with a fiery bull. On to one final bit of serendipity. I knew from the start of this book that I was going to freeze an ancient dhow in a Greenland glacier, in a book about the hunt for the true location of mythic Tartarus, the Greek Underworld. And what is one of Greenland’s largest glaciers, one of its most threatened? That’s Helheim Glacier, named after the Nordic “World of the Dead.” So, take what you will from that true detail.

  Turkish Underground Cities

  Elena and Kowalski are briefly imprisoned in an ancient subterranean Turkish city. I based that description on a real site, the Derinkuyu Underground City. Now, while I don’t believe there is such a lost metropolis within a stone’s throw of Troy, archaeologists have, in fact, discovered more than two hundred troglodyte-cave cities throughout Turkey—so why not one on the outskirts of Troy?

  Castel Gandolfo

  My Italian publisher was kind enough to invite me to speak in the small village of Velletri, outside of Rome. It’s a village with a long literary history. If you ever go there, eat at Casale della Regina. You will thank me. Velletri is also a short hop to Castel Gandolfo, and I was able to do a tour of the pope’s summer palace. It was that visit that convinced me to include it in this novel—so, please accept my apologies for blowing it up. Again, based on that visit, I tried to make the descriptions as accurate as possible. A few fun facts. The palace is indeed built atop the ancient ruins of Emperor Domitian’s villa. The summer palace has a long and rich astronomical history, including the new and old observatories, and a great museum pertaining to astronomy. The story of the “Pope’s Children” is also historically accurate. As to the Holy Scrinium, the original traveling library of the popes, it truly did exist and was said to hold rare treasures going back to the founding of Christendom. Does it still exist? Is it located in ancient Roman vaults beneath Castel Gandolfo? Unfortunately, that was not part of my tour.

  Sardinia

  The Italian island of Sardinia has a rich archaeological past, which I touched upon in this story. The details of the Noro Stone and the Giants of Mont’e Prama are accurate, though some of my speculations regarding them are born of my own imagination. The ancient nuraghe fortifications and buildings are real, as are their ties to Daedalus, who is indeed said to have resided on the island after he fled from King Minos—and why those ancient ruins were called daidaleia by the Greeks.

  Morocco

  Moving south to Africa, Morocco is fascinating both geologically and historically. The convergent boundary between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates does run straight through the country and gave rise to the Atlas mountain range. One of its main exports is indeed phosphate rock, one of the chief ingredients for making Greek Fire. Also, their phosphate deposits are rich in uranium. It is estimated that the phosphate rock in Morocco holds twice the amount of uranium as the rest of the world. So, if you want to make potent Greek Fire, build your foundry in the Atlas Mountains.

  Finally, let’s discuss the end of the world.

  Apocalyptic Cults

  I’m fascinated by all the ways various cultures view the end of the world. Especially in regard to the visions that are common among them. Of course, the Apocalypti—a confederation of cults, both religious and otherwise, whose goal is to trigger Armageddon by any means necessary—is purely of my own imagination. That said, it is worrisome that there appears to be a growing zealous view that not only are the end-times near—but that we should do everything politically and militarily possible to make sure it happens in our lifetime. That trend is growing in support both across the Islamic world and among Western nations. So, while the Apocalypti cult is fiction, their existential threat is real.

  I love this world—this wondrous gift to humanity—so let’s not be so quick to burn it down. Of course, I’ve been blowing up UNESCO world heritage sites for more than twenty years; therefore, I might not be the best advocate for this position.

  There you have it. I hope you enjoyed this latest Sigma adventure. As you might suspect, there is much more to come. But for now, we’ll let Gray and company recuperate, have a few drinks, and spend some quality time with their families.

  Because that’s what I’m going to do—and you should, too.

  Acknowledgments

  It’s said that Homer once wrote, “The journey is the thing.” And the path from idea to published novel is its own rocky road. My odyssey in finishing this book was made all the easier through the help of an esteemed (and patient) cadre of first readers, reviewers, and cheerleaders. Collectively known as the Warped Spacers, they include Chris Crowe, Lee Garrett, Matt Bishop, Matt Orr, Leonard Little, Judy Prey, Caroline Williams, John Vester, and Amy Rogers. And a special thanks to Steve Prey for the Arctic map. But I also have to single out David Sylvian for making me look good across the digital universe. And Cherei McCarter, who has shared with me a bevy of intriguing concepts and curiosities, several of which are found in these pages. And William Craig Reed for his valuable help with submarine warfare hardware. Of course, none of this would happen without an astounding team of industry professionals whom I defy anyone to surpass. To everyone at William Morrow, thank you for always having my back, especially Liate Stehlik, Danielle Bartlett, Kaitlin Harri, Josh Marwell, Richard Aquan, and Ana Maria Allessi. Last, of course, a special acknowledgment to the people instrumental to all levels of production: my esteemed editor, Lyssa Keusch, and her industrious colleague Mireya Chiriboga; and for all their hard work, my agents, Russ Galen and Danny Baror (along with his daughter Heather Baror). And as always, I must stress that any and all errors of fact or detail in this book, of which hopefully there are not too many, fall squarely on my own shoulders.

  About the Author

  JAMES ROLLINS is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of international thrillers that have been translated into more than forty languages. His Sigma series has been lauded as one of the “top crowd pleasers” (New York Times) and one of the “hottest summer reads” (People magazine). In each novel, acclaimed for its originality, Rollins unveils unseen worlds, scientific breakthroughs, and historical secrets—and he does it all at breakneck speed and with stunning insight. He lives in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

  Discover great authors, exclusive offers, and more at hc.com.

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  Copyright

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  THE LAST ODYSSEY. Copyright © 2020 by James Czajkowski. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the nonexclusive, nontransferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse-engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereafter invented, without the express written permission of HarperCollins e-books.

  Cover design and illustration by Tony Mauro

  Cover photographs © Dreamstime: Christian Andriana (astrolabe), Makhnach (compass), Leigh Prather (map)

  FIRST EDITION

  Digital Edition MARCH 2020 ISBN: 978-0-06-289290-4

  Version 01252020

  Print ISBN: 978-0-06-289289-8 (hardcover)

  Print ISBN: 978-0-06-289296-6 (international edition)

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