Were ancient civilisations much more technologically advanced than science gives them credit for? Was the Earth devastated by cosmic catastrophe 12,400 years ago?

A series of talks under the aegis of a new Ancient History Forum based at Fontmell Magna, near Shaftesbury, Dorset, is being launched next week to discuss these big questions.

The forum opens on Wednesday with Dorset researcher Gary Biltcliffe who has explored remote areas of Greece and Italy and found a wealth of little-known technologies using large stones in the construction of walls and pyramids. On November 18, the forum hears from Sam Semir Osmanagich about his discovery of pyramids and advanced megalithic technology in central Bosnia.

On January 21, Edmund Marriage, from Dorset, speaks on Sumerian Kharsag, identified as the Biblical Garden of Eden in Southern Lebanon. He believes civilisation was restarted there by survivors of an advanced race decimated by planetary catastrophe.

And on February 25 and March 25, geologist Bernard Delair has a two-part presentation on that awesome event – believed to have taken place in about 10,400BC when the Earth was struck by debris from a supernova explosion.

The talks will be at 7.30pm at Springhead, Fontmell Magna, or the village hall. Tickets £8 in advance or £10 on the door, with student concessions. Call 01963 251772 or email patrickfound@btinternet.com