Modern Misconceptions

History is intricate, and as a result, many misconceptions have been created. Pseudoarcheology and other sources often spread these inaccuracies, and being mindful of these falsehoods is essential to comprehend history in a precise manner.

Listed below are 6 modern misunderstandings, usually disseminated by those who have very little knowledge on the topic in question. These individuals contribute to the dialogue in a damaging way, while further solidifying their own ill-informed opinion on a certain part of history.

1. Ancient civilizations were more advanced than we are today, or had access to advanced scientific knowledge. This statement is incorrect because while ancient civilizations made many important advances, such as the invention of writing, the wheel, and mathematics, they did not have access to the same level of technology that we have today. People think it is true because they tend to romanticize the past, and overlook the fact that our current technology has enabled us to make much greater advances than were possible in ancient times. Sources which promote ancient aliens, or previously unknown civilizations, do so only by referring to conjecture and not verified facts.

2. Ancient cultures were in contact with extraterrestrial beings. No evidence exists to support this notion. There is no ancient literature or artifacts that suggest ancient cultures were in contact with extraterrestrial beings. Even though people today may consider this to be a fact, due to the prevalence of science fiction, the lack of evidence means that this cannot be accepted as fact. Most misinterpret ancient literature to mean something that it doesn't, for example Gods coming from the sky. When in fact the gods were described as coming from heaven. In the oldest sources of ancient literature indicate heaven to be a physical location situated atop a ziggurat.

3. Ancient kings or patriarchs lived extremely long lives. This notion comes from a few ancient sources which portray certain individuals to have lived for an unrealistic duration of time. Sources such as the Sumerian King List and Biblical Genesis are two of the main proponents of this notion. This is due to the fact that before a certain period, the duration of a year was not yet ascertained. Before a year was defined as 12 months, ancient cultures such as Egypt, Babylon, Assyria, and more, all considered a month as a year. This allows us to easily calculate a biblical patriarch who lived 950 years, to be roughly 76 years old (Inflated age / 12.36 months = Actual Years).

4. Ancient cultures had advanced knowledge of astrology and astronomy. The main reason why people think this is true is because of the appeal of the idea that ancient people had knowledge and insights that surpass our own. Modern people's bias leads them to believe that ancient societies had a deep understanding of the universe. When in fact, the universe to them was defined as a specific piece of land where four different cultures met. Those cultures or regions being Amurru, Subartu, Elam, and Sumer. Where these four met was referred to as the four corners of the universe, and the rulers who established these regions were often referred to as creators of the universe. Also, many conclude a planetary body was identified, and then later assigned to a given deity. However, it is actually the deity's name that was assigned to the planet. For example Pluto in Roman times had no connection to the dwarf planet Pluto. It was only in later times, after its modern discovery, that it had become associated with the god Pluto.

5.The Great Sphinx of Giza and the Pyramids are much older than its estimated construction date. Many think this is true due to erosion that can be viewed throughout the multiple structures referenced. When comparing these structures to nearby uncut limestone, there is a clear difference in the degree of erosion. The idea these structures are older is based entirely on this alone. However, organic material that is dated to around 5000 years old can be found embedded inside the stone throughout the sphinx and pyramid's blocks which indicates the structures were created by with mortar-like substance or geopolymer. 5000 year old organic material does not exist inside 65 million year old limestone.

6. Some ancient artifacts are proof of advanced civilizations that predate recorded history. It is a misapprehension to think that any culture before Sumer could be considered an advanced civilization. The criteria for a civilization to be categorized as such is not met by any culture before Sumer. While cutting blocks, building settlements, and creating an advanced calendar such as at Gobekli Tepe are indicative of a civilization, many more elements are necessary for a culture to meet the qualifications to be considered a civilization. #eatthefruitinc