Author Glyn Thomas began writing in 2014 and has since published six books, including the five-part “Quintology Series” and his latest release, “Unveiling the Secrets of Portugal”.

Thomas describes himself as “holistic, optimistic, and curious,” and says his work is motivated by a desire to solve historical mysteries and challenge conventional interpretations of history and religion.

“To me, the joy comes from engaging in puzzles and trying to sift out the truth. Things that don’t sound right, probably aren’t true,” he says.

The Quintology Series explores alternative perspectives on ancient history, biblical narratives and the origins of Christianity: “Apart from the first book, which was a bit of a melange, the others were much more chronological and focused.”

His research spans multiple disciplines, including archaeology, astronomy, biology and theology. Thomas says he aims to distinguish clearly between established facts and personal speculation in his writing.

Exploring Portugal’s historical roots

In “Unveiling the Secrets of Portugal”, Thomas examines the historical influences that shaped Portuguese culture over centuries. After moving to Portugal and learning the language, Thomas became interested in understanding the country’s history and cultural identity: “I think there’s so much depth and richness in understanding where people and ideas have originated.”

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Thomas says his interest in history is closely tied to understanding how past events continue to shape modern societies and cultural identity: “I think history is one of the most important things to understand. If you don’t understand history, you don’t understand your origins, where you come from, or what society you live in.”

The book follows a chronological structure, tracing Portugal’s development from early Phoenician trade settlements through Roman, Visigoth and Moorish rule, before examining the country’s maritime expansion during the Age of Discovery.

Thomas argues that Portugal’s history is defined by international exchange and global engagement, pointing to centuries of trade and colonial expansion across Brazil, Africa, India and Asia.

Key themes in the book

Among the book’s central arguments is the idea that the Phoenicians helped introduce trade networks, writing systems and urban development to the Iberian Peninsula.

Thomas also highlights the lasting impact of Roman infrastructure and administration, as well as the political influence of the Catholic Church throughout Portuguese history.

The Treaties of Tordesillas and Zaragoza are presented as examples of Portugal’s historical global influence and strategic alliances.

For Thomas, understanding history is ultimately about understanding humanity itself: “My objective is to help people, help humanity understand things.”