Lost Tomb of the Knights Templar: Rennes-le-Chateau Secrets and Discoveries (Paperback)
by Ben Hammott (Author, Illustrator)
AVAILABLE HERE
100 years ago a French priest embedded clues in his church leading to a secret location.
Those clues have been solved.
That location has been found.
The SECRET is revealed!
Treasure, tombs, secret codes and hidden clues, a brutal murder, the Knights Templar and 2000 year old relics - it could be the premise for a new archaeological thriller. Except that it is real.
What begins as a treasure hunt and a bit of fun and adventure, leads an Englishman to the tiny French village of Rennes-le-Chateau, where an ordinary man unlocked a mysterious puzzle set up by a priest 100 years ago.
Abbe Berenger Sauniere became mysteriously and fabulously rich after finding a hidden parchment when carrying out repairs to the Church of Mary Magdalene. Subsequent to Sauniere's death in 1917, speculation was rife about the possible source of his sudden wealth.Some have said it was proceeds from the sale of an ancient or a Royal Treasure. Or it might have been hush money paid by the Vatican to keep Sauniere quiet, but if so what did Sauniere find that they were so afraid of?
As many believe, the mysterious priest had embedded clues in his church decoration leading to a treasure or a secret, and the source of his wealth. When Ben Hammott enters the church he soon spots something that everyone else has somehow missed - a key that deciphers some of the embedded clues.
Painstakingly deciphering and following the clues, Ben is led to a discovery of 2000-year-old artefacts, a treasure of gold, and a Knights Templar tomb containing a mummifed body under a shroud!
A fantastic Treasure Hunt that ends in a startling revelation. 10/10
Its what adventure is all about.
Reviews for LOST TOMB OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR
I don't care what the pope says..., 21 Oct 2009
I bought this book almoust 2 years ago and since then i carried it around with me everywhere. This book is "MY BIBLE". Anyone interested in the whole story of Rennes le Chateau or the holy grail should by this book! It is not just very thrilling, exciting and surprising it is also funny.. I love this book,- it is one of the best books i have read. I even bought a second copy because the first one was already wrecked because i read it so often. If you want to go on the hunt as well,- Ben is giving more than enough clues (he says) to find what he found!!! I do believe whatever Ben thinks he's found. Can't wait for the follow up!!!
I was lucky enough to have read an advanced copy of Lost Tomb of the Knights Templar and I have to say it surprised me. Considering that Ben Hammott is not a professional writer he has written a fascinating and informative account of his trips to Rennes-le-Chateau, where he has found a tomb! (Who is it? Why are they buried there?) I have read a few other books on Rennes-le-Chateau but did not get the feeling that I was there with the author and see what he sees, for example the beautiful landscape surrounding the pretty French village. With Ben Hammott's book you get a real sense of what the view is like and Ben is very good at describing what he felt at the time and makes light of any fears he had, although I am sure he actually felt like he was in danger - like at the meeting with the sinister chaps at Rosslyn Chapel! - but his determination to solve the mystery that he stumbled upon (by working out the clues in the Priest, Sauniere's church) continues throughout the book and you really get into the mind of Ben Hammott as he explains the clues that he deciphered, which helped him to proceed with his investigation.
Not only do we read about Ben Hammott's treasure hunting escapades in the remote village and climbing through caves, trekking up steep hills and mountains, but we get an insight into the every day Hammott, working at home but having his life disrupted by eerie people turning up at his door and there's even an...explosive surprise!
All-in-all I found this book an enjoyable read, (all 688 pages of it!) and found the pictures in it (331!) assisted with placing in one's mind the pretty little village anybody interested in Rennes-le-Chateau (of Da Vinci code fame) wants to visit.
I would recommend this book if you have an interest in the Da Vinci Code, Rennes-le-Chateau, treasure hunting, adventure or mysteries! Ben Hammott has been likened to Indiana Jones by a presenter from America and I have to say I agree! He has climbed down lots of caves, hiked up mountains in the middle of the night and discovered lots of secrets around Rennes-le-Chateau, like the bottle messages left by Sauniere, the Priest. Fantastic read - I would have given this book 10 stars if it was available.
The only thing I would say is that there are some (minor) grammar mistakes, but Ben is the first to admit (at the front of the book!) that he does make such mistakes when writing and it really didn't really bother me. Great book, buy it!
Oh, one more thing to add - Ben Hammott is featured in the recent documentary film Bloodline, directed by Bruce Burgess, and watching that before reading the book really gives it extra depth and you are able to see what Ben talks about in his book...enjoyed the bits at the end of the film but not so much the talking at the beginning.
Lost Tomb, 11 Jan 2010 I don't normally write reviews , but this boook has astounded me.
It could have done with rather more stringent editing but nonetheless it has proved to be an enthralling read.
I have read a number of books about the RLC mystery and was amazed read how Ben managed to reach past the extensive esoterica that takes over some of the other books and arrived at a a series of solutions that produced such an amazing result. I look forward to any further information as and when it becomes available.
One of the best books I have read, 9 Nov 2008 I normally do not write reviews but this book impressed me so much it encouraged me to do so. I cannot remember enjoying a book so much for a long time and I have read more than a few covering a wide range of topics.
I bought The Lost Tomb of the Knights Templar as I have been interested in the Rennes-le-Chateau mystery for many years and had visited the village a few years ago. I have read many books on the subject, some good and some not so good, but Ben's book is by far one of best, certainly the most interesting and enjoyable and I place it in my top ten of every book I have ever read!
The book covers Ben's research and discoveries from when he first heard of the Rennes-le-Chateau mystery and his later discoveries. The mystery happened around 100 years ago and concerns Berenger Sauniere, the priest of the small French village called Rennes-le-Chateau, who found something in his church that turned him from a penniless priest into a very wealthy one. Ben explains how the decorations in Berenger Sauniere's Church held hidden clues leading to locations in the surrounding landscape. By deciphering these clues Ben found these locations and what was hidden there.
I don't want to spoil it for people who don't know what Ben found yet so I will not reveal it here, but a big clue is in the title of the book, but there were also other things Ben found including some 2000 year old relics and treasure! All of Ben's discoveries are covered in detail and at times it is an hilarious read. I found myself laughing out loud on more than one occasion, so much so that my teenage son wanted to read the book after me. He knew very little about the Rennes-le-Chateau saga but like me he thoroughly enjoyed the book. Although in places the book is funny this in no way detracts from the seriousness of Ben's clue solving and investigations into what Sauniere was up to.
It was also refreshing to read and learn something new about the mystery, something lacking in most other books on this subject. I do like Ben's style of writing as it makes for an enjoyable and easy read and the inclusion of over 300 images was a great idea as it really brings to life Ben's treasure hunt. Just like others have said, Ben has written in a way that includes you the reader in his quest. It is like you are there with him making these discoveries. if you like a good, no great story, a mystery with a smattering of suspense, treasure hunting and clue solving or an enjoyable real life adventure, I highly recommend this book to you. So join Ben on his journey, its a fantastic, interesting and enjoyable ride and more than worth the fare. Beg, borrow or buy this book and climb aboard, you will not be disappointed! 10/10
Great book. Trustworthy too?, 13 Nov 2009
I bought this book a year ago, and read it in no time. It was exciting and the finds were just what you were hoping for.
So is it trustworthy, or is the author going along with the spirit of the time, and making some great "finds"? I have to say that the pictures and statements from witnesses are impressive. What puzzles me is that this "Blue-collar-guy" is so smart that he cracks all these codes, some of which are far fetched. Lots of people have tried, and this guy who has no knowledge suddenly solves it all. And on top of that he actually prefers english "cooking" to french!!
The book is too good to pass up. So go buy it. But be restrictive in what you believe!
What begins as a treasure hunt and a bit of fun and adventure, leads an Englishman to the tiny French village of Rennes-le-Chateau, where an ordinary man unlocked a mysterious puzzle set up by a priest 100 years ago.
Abbe Berenger Sauniere became mysteriously and fabulously rich after finding a hidden parchment when carrying out repairs to the Church of Mary Magdalene. Subsequent to Sauniere's death in 1917, speculation was rife about the possible source of his sudden wealth.Some have said it was proceeds from the sale of an ancient or a Royal Treasure. Or it might have been hush money paid by the Vatican to keep Sauniere quiet, but if so what did Sauniere find that they were so afraid of?
As many believe, the mysterious priest had embedded clues in his church decoration leading to a treasure or a secret, and the source of his wealth. When Ben Hammott enters the church he soon spots something that everyone else has somehow missed - a key that deciphers some of the embedded clues.
Painstakingly deciphering and following the clues, Ben is led to a discovery of 2000-year-old artefacts, a treasure of gold, and a Knights Templar tomb containing a mummifed body under a shroud!
A fantastic Treasure Hunt that ends in a startling revelation. 10/10
Its what adventure is all about.
Ben Hammott is also the author of a new book about Colonel Fawcett called AMAZON ADVENTURE
Coming in 2010 the new novel that continues Fawcett's quest to find his Lost City of Z
The date is 1925
The location is the Amazon Jungle.
Colonel Percy Fawcett, his son Jack and close friend Raleigh Rimmell, are looking for a lost City rumoured to be hidden in the unexplored regions of the cannibal inhabited jungle.
Dead Horse Camp is situated at the boundary of unexplored territory. Ahead lay the unknown, danger, and perhaps a Lost Civilisation.
The three explorers enter the jungle never to be seen or heard from again. Until now!
Present day - New information that reveals what befell the Fawcett expedition reaches the civilised world. A team is put together to travel to the Amazon jungle. Their task is to unravel the mystery and find the Lost City of Z.
But the journey to the Lost City is just the beginning. Inside lurks danger and a secret those guarding it will kill to protect. Survival will not be easy, escape impossible.
Fawcett's adventure continues in AMAZON ADVENTURE Journey to Colonel Fawcett's Lost City
VISIT HIS WEBSITE HERE: http://www.fawcettadventure.com TO READ SOME ADVANCE CHAPTERS
Reviews for LOST TOMB OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR
I don't care what the pope says..., | By | Ursus "Marieke, 60" (Frankreich) - See all my reviews |
5.0 out of 5 stars Atmospheric read, really sets the scene..., 16 Oct 2008
| By | ShadowFox (London, England) |
Not only do we read about Ben Hammott's treasure hunting escapades in the remote village and climbing through caves, trekking up steep hills and mountains, but we get an insight into the every day Hammott, working at home but having his life disrupted by eerie people turning up at his door and there's even an...explosive surprise!
All-in-all I found this book an enjoyable read, (all 688 pages of it!) and found the pictures in it (331!) assisted with placing in one's mind the pretty little village anybody interested in Rennes-le-Chateau (of Da Vinci code fame) wants to visit.
I would recommend this book if you have an interest in the Da Vinci Code, Rennes-le-Chateau, treasure hunting, adventure or mysteries! Ben Hammott has been likened to Indiana Jones by a presenter from America and I have to say I agree! He has climbed down lots of caves, hiked up mountains in the middle of the night and discovered lots of secrets around Rennes-le-Chateau, like the bottle messages left by Sauniere, the Priest. Fantastic read - I would have given this book 10 stars if it was available.
The only thing I would say is that there are some (minor) grammar mistakes, but Ben is the first to admit (at the front of the book!) that he does make such mistakes when writing and it really didn't really bother me. Great book, buy it!
Oh, one more thing to add - Ben Hammott is featured in the recent documentary film Bloodline, directed by Bruce Burgess, and watching that before reading the book really gives it extra depth and you are able to see what Ben talks about in his book...enjoyed the bits at the end of the film but not so much the talking at the beginning.
Lost Tomb, It could have done with rather more stringent editing but nonetheless it has proved to be an enthralling read.
I have read a number of books about the RLC mystery and was amazed read how Ben managed to reach past the extensive esoterica that takes over some of the other books and arrived at a a series of solutions that produced such an amazing result. I look forward to any further information as and when it becomes available.
One of the best books I have read, I bought The Lost Tomb of the Knights Templar as I have been interested in the Rennes-le-Chateau mystery for many years and had visited the village a few years ago. I have read many books on the subject, some good and some not so good, but Ben's book is by far one of best, certainly the most interesting and enjoyable and I place it in my top ten of every book I have ever read!
The book covers Ben's research and discoveries from when he first heard of the Rennes-le-Chateau mystery and his later discoveries. The mystery happened around 100 years ago and concerns Berenger Sauniere, the priest of the small French village called Rennes-le-Chateau, who found something in his church that turned him from a penniless priest into a very wealthy one. Ben explains how the decorations in Berenger Sauniere's Church held hidden clues leading to locations in the surrounding landscape. By deciphering these clues Ben found these locations and what was hidden there.
I don't want to spoil it for people who don't know what Ben found yet so I will not reveal it here, but a big clue is in the title of the book, but there were also other things Ben found including some 2000 year old relics and treasure! All of Ben's discoveries are covered in detail and at times it is an hilarious read. I found myself laughing out loud on more than one occasion, so much so that my teenage son wanted to read the book after me. He knew very little about the Rennes-le-Chateau saga but like me he thoroughly enjoyed the book. Although in places the book is funny this in no way detracts from the seriousness of Ben's clue solving and investigations into what Sauniere was up to.
It was also refreshing to read and learn something new about the mystery, something lacking in most other books on this subject. I do like Ben's style of writing as it makes for an enjoyable and easy read and the inclusion of over 300 images was a great idea as it really brings to life Ben's treasure hunt. Just like others have said, Ben has written in a way that includes you the reader in his quest. It is like you are there with him making these discoveries. if you like a good, no great story, a mystery with a smattering of suspense, treasure hunting and clue solving or an enjoyable real life adventure, I highly recommend this book to you. So join Ben on his journey, its a fantastic, interesting and enjoyable ride and more than worth the fare. Beg, borrow or buy this book and climb aboard, you will not be disappointed! 10/10
Great book. Trustworthy too?, | By | J. Stoeving (Denmark) - See all my reviews |
So is it trustworthy, or is the author going along with the spirit of the time, and making some great "finds"? I have to say that the pictures and statements from witnesses are impressive. What puzzles me is that this "Blue-collar-guy" is so smart that he cracks all these codes, some of which are far fetched. Lots of people have tried, and this guy who has no knowledge suddenly solves it all. And on top of that he actually prefers english "cooking" to french!!
The book is too good to pass up. So go buy it. But be restrictive in what you believe!
Great book - can I get one in hardback?, | By | Mortis (UK) - See all my reviews |
Thought provoking!, | By | Hermione - |
Then there are the chapters on the incredibly detailed clue solving and treasure hunts as the author makes his amazing discoveries. All accompanied by some of the most stunning images that I've ever seen in such a book that set the scene admirably, giving you the impression you are there joining in the fun and excitement of the hunt.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it is definitely in my Top Ten favourite list!
Fantastic! Fantastic! Fantastic!, | By | Shulamith (UK) - See all my reviews |
If you only ever read one book about Rennes-le-Chateau then make sure this is it. It is so packed full of fascinating information and images that I just can't put it down! I feel like I've been right there with Ben on every step of his journey and I can't wait to start my own.
Fabulous read - thank you!
Ben Hammott's Website - http://www.benhammott.com
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