How Misconceptions About Ancient Civilisations Obscure History

The ancient civilisations that once flourished on our planet have always been a source of fascination for many of us. From the pyramids of Egypt to the temples of Angkor Wat, these mysterious structures have sparked the imagination of people for centuries. However, alongside the fascination, there are also numerous conspiracy theories surrounding these ancient civilisations. These theories range from claims of extraterrestrial intervention to allegations of secret societies and hidden knowledge. In this article, we will delve into the world of conspiracy theories surrounding ancient civilisations, exploring the historical context, the main discussion points, and the implications of these theories.

To understand the conspiracy theories surrounding ancient civilisations, it is essential to have a basic understanding of the historical context. The ancient civilisations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome, among others, were some of the most advanced and sophisticated societies of their time. They made significant contributions to the fields of architecture, engineering, mathematics, and astronomy, leaving behind a legacy of impressive structures and artifacts. However, as time passed, many of these civilisations declined, and their knowledge and achievements were lost to the sands of time. This has led to a sense of mystery and intrigue, which has been exploited by conspiracy theorists to create elaborate and often outlandish theories.

One of the most popular conspiracy theories surrounding ancient civilisations is the idea that they were aided by extraterrestrial beings. This theory, known as the “ancient astronaut hypothesis,” suggests that aliens visited Earth in the distant past and helped ancient civilisations build their impressive structures and achieve their advanced knowledge. Proponents of this theory point to the similarities between ancient structures around the world, such as the pyramids of Egypt and the temples of South America, as evidence of a common extraterrestrial influence. However, as noted by archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass, “there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that aliens built the pyramids” [1]. Despite the lack of evidence, this theory remains popular, with many books and documentaries exploring the idea.

Another conspiracy theory surrounding ancient civilisations is the idea of secret societies and hidden knowledge. This theory suggests that ancient civilisations possessed knowledge and wisdom that was lost to the general population, but was preserved by secret societies and esoteric groups. These groups, such as the Freemasons and the Illuminati, are often seen as having a hidden agenda and working to control world events from behind the scenes. However, as historian Dr. Richard Evans notes, “there is no evidence to support the idea that these groups have any real power or influence” [2]. Despite this, the idea of secret societies and hidden knowledge remains a popular theme in conspiracy theories, with many books and films exploring the idea.

The conspiracy theories surrounding ancient civilisations also often involve allegations of cover-ups and suppression of knowledge. This theory suggests that governments and other powerful institutions are working to suppress knowledge and information about ancient civilisations, often to maintain their own power and control. For example, some conspiracy theorists claim that the Egyptian government is hiding evidence of extraterrestrial life in the pyramids, while others claim that the Vatican is suppressing knowledge of ancient civilisations to maintain its own power and influence. However, as archaeologist Dr. Kathryn Reichs notes, “there is no evidence to support the idea that governments are suppressing knowledge about ancient civilisations” [3]. Despite this, the idea of cover-ups and suppression of knowledge remains a popular theme in conspiracy theories.

In addition to these theories, there are also many conspiracy theories surrounding specific ancient civilisations. For example, some conspiracy theorists claim that the ancient civilisation of Atlantis existed and was lost in a catastrophic event, while others claim that the ancient civilisation of Mu was a advanced society that was destroyed by a natural disaster. These theories often involve elaborate stories and legends, but are often based on limited or no evidence. As historian Dr. Niall Ferguson notes, “conspiracy theories are often based on a lack of understanding of historical context and a tendency to see patterns and connections where none exist” [4].

The implications of these conspiracy theories are significant, as they can often lead to a lack of understanding and appreciation of the real achievements and contributions of ancient civilisations. By focusing on elaborate and often outlandish theories, we can miss the opportunity to learn from the past and appreciate the achievements of ancient civilisations. As archaeologist Dr. Sarah Parcak notes, “conspiracy theories can be damaging to the field of archaeology, as they can distract from the real work of uncovering and understanding the past” [5]. Furthermore, conspiracy theories can also be used to promote racist and xenophobic ideologies, as well as to justify violence and discrimination.

In conclusion, the conspiracy theories surrounding ancient civilisations ations are a fascinating and complex topic. While these theories can be entertaining and thought-provoking, they are often based on limited or no evidence and can be damaging to our understanding of the past. By exploring the historical context and the main discussion points, we can gain a deeper understanding of these theories and their implications. As we continue to explore and learn about ancient civilisations, it is essential to approach these topics with a critical and nuanced perspective, recognising the complexities and challenges of understanding the past. As historian Dr. Doris Kearns Goodwin notes, “the study of history is a complex and nuanced field, and we must approach it with a critical and open-minded perspective” [6]. Ultimately, the study of ancient civilisations is a rich and rewarding field, full of mysteries and wonders waiting to be uncovered. But as we explore these mysteries, we must be careful not to get caught up in conspiracy theories and speculation, and instead focus on the real achievements and contributions of these ancient societies. As we look to the future, we must ask ourselves, what other secrets and mysteries lie hidden in the sands of time, waiting to be uncovered?

References and Further Reading:

1. Hawass, Z. (2010). The Pyramids: The Mystery, Culture, and Science Behind Egypt’s Great Monuments. Thames & Hudson.
2. Evans, R. (2016). The Pursuit of Power: Europe 1815-1914. Penguin Books.
3. Reichs, K. (2011). Virals. Scribner.
4. Ferguson, N. (2008). The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World. Penguin Books.
5. Parcak, S. (2016). Archaeology from Space: How the Future of Archaeology is Aerial. Henry Holt and Company.
6. Goodwin, D. K. (2018). Leadership: In Turbulent Times. Simon & Schuster.
7. Fagan, B. (2017). The Oxford Companion to Archaeology. Oxford University Press.
8. Trigger, B. (2006). A History of Archaeological Thought. Cambridge University Press.
9. Childe, V. G. (1951). Social Evolution. Watts.
10. Renfrew, C. (2018). Prehistory: The Making of the Human Mind. Weidenfeld & Nicolson.
11. *Giorgio Tsoukalos – Ancient Aliens

---