Mythicism

Introduction: Beyond History and Religion

The term "mythicism" – often associated with figures like Graham Hancock and David Lewis Brown – represents a fascinating, and frequently controversial, approach to understanding human history. It challenges the dominant narrative presented by mainstream archaeology and historical scholarship, proposing that much of what we consider 'history' is actually a complex layering of mythic narratives, deliberately obscured over vast stretches of time.

It’s not simply about believing myths; it’s about recognizing patterns – recurring themes, symbols, and knowledge – across disparate cultures and periods that seem to defy simple explanation through conventional historical methods.

The Core Arguments of Mythicism

At its heart, mythicism argues for the following:

• Lost Civilizations: The existence of advanced civilizations – such as Atlantis, Mu, and Lemuria – that were not merely destroyed but deliberately erased from the historical record.
• Memory Manipulation: The idea that powerful groups have systematically altered or suppressed memories of these lost civilizations to control knowledge and shape societal beliefs.
• The Role of Symbolism: A focus on universal symbols (pyramids, circles, spirals) as evidence of a shared, ancient wisdom – suggesting they were intentionally placed by these lost civilizations.
• Ancient Astronaut Theory (as a component): While not all mythicists subscribe to it fully, the concept of non-human influences in early human development is often explored within the framework.

Key Figures and Influences

Several individuals have been instrumental in developing and popularizing mythicism:

• Graham Hancock: A prolific writer and researcher, Hancock’s work popularized the idea of a "lost continent" and explored connections between ancient myths and archaeological sites.
• David Lewis Brown: Brown's book, *The Genesis Within,* is considered a foundational text for mythicism, presenting a complex theory about cyclical civilizations and memory loss.
• Robert Bauval & Adrian Gilbert: Their work on the Orion Correlation Theory – linking the alignment of the pyramids of Giza with constellations – remains a central element within many mythicist arguments.
• Early Proto-Mythicists: Figures like Joseph Smith, and earlier esoteric scholars, laid some groundwork for thinking about cyclical time and shared human experience that influenced later developments.

Evidence Cited by Mythicists

Mythicists draw upon a variety of sources to support their claims, including:

• Archaeological Anomalies: Sites with unusual architecture, advanced technology (often attributed to lost civilizations), or seemingly inexplicable alignments.
• Ancient Texts and Myths: Interpreting myths from around the world as evidence of a shared knowledge system – looking for common themes and symbolic connections.
• Geological Evidence: Claims about submerged landmasses, ancient sea levels, and geological features that support the existence of lost continents.
• Cryptography & Decipherment Attempts: Attempts to decode ancient texts (like the Voynich Manuscript) as containing knowledge from a forgotten civilization.

Criticisms and Counterarguments

Mythicism faces significant criticism from mainstream scholars, who argue that:

• Lack of Empirical Evidence: The evidence cited by mythicists is often circumstantial, based on speculation, or subject to alternative interpretations.
• Misinterpretation of Archaeological Data: Critics contend that mythicists selectively interpret archaeological findings to fit their preconceived theories.
• Ignoring Established Historical Methods: Mythicism often disregards the rigorous methodologies used by professional archaeologists and historians.
• Reliance on Confirmation Bias: The tendency to seek out and emphasize evidence that supports one's beliefs, while dismissing contradictory information.

A Timeline of Mythic Thought

• 19th Century – Proto-Mythicism

  1862: Joseph Smith publishes the Doctrine and Covenants, containing stories interpreted as historical accounts with divine origins. Early influences on cyclical time concepts.

• 20th Century – The Rise of Lost Civilizations

  1947: Discovery of the Antikythera Mechanism, an ancient Greek device that demonstrates sophisticated astronomical knowledge, fueling speculation about lost technologies.

  1969: Robert Bauval and Adrian Gilbert propose the Orion Correlation Theory, linking the pyramids of Giza to constellations.

• 21st Century – Contemporary Mythicism

  2002: Graham Hancock publishes *Fingerprints of the Gods*, popularizing theories about Atlantis and a lost civilization.