Pseudohistory

Vortigern-Dragons

1934 Protocols Patriotic Pub

Pseudohistory refers to a form of history or historiography that purports to be based on historical facts but deviates from standard historical methods and interpretations in a way that is not supported by credible historians. Pseudohistory often involves the presentation of myths, conspiracy theories, and unsubstantiated claims as if they were true historical facts. This genre of history is characterized by a lack of adherence to rigorous standards of evidence and methodology, often relying on speculation, anecdotal evidence, and the selective use of sources.

Characteristics

Pseudohistory can be identified by several key characteristics. It often presents a narrative that contradicts the consensus of professional historians without providing reliable evidence. Pseudohistorians may use cherry-picking of evidence, confirmation bias, and logical fallacies to support their arguments. Additionally, pseudohistory may involve the reinterpretation of historical events, sometimes incorporating elements of nationalism, supernaturalism, or esotericism to explain historical phenomena.

Common Themes

Several common themes appear within pseudohistorical works. These include ancient alien theories, the idea of lost civilizations (such as Atlantis), the rewriting of the history of certain religions, and claims about the supernatural or occult influences on history. Other themes involve the distortion of the history of science, such as the denial of the Holocaust or the promotion of out-of-place artifacts as evidence for advanced prehistoric civilizations.

Criticism

Pseudohistory is widely criticized by professional historians and scholars for its lack of rigor and misleading nature. Critics argue that pseudohistory undermines the public understanding of history by spreading misinformation and promoting skepticism about established historical facts. The promotion of pseudohistorical narratives can have real-world consequences, influencing political ideology, cultural identity, and social cohesion.

Distinguishing from Legitimate Historical Revisionism

It is important to distinguish pseudohistory from legitimate historical revisionism, which involves the re-examination of historical records and narratives based on new evidence or perspectives. Unlike pseudohistory, historical revisionism adheres to strict standards of scholarship and aims to refine our understanding of history through critical analysis and evidence-based arguments.

Examples

Some notable examples of pseudohistory include the works of Erich von Däniken, who proposed that extraterrestrial beings influenced ancient human civilizations, and the various theories surrounding the construction of the Great Pyramids of Egypt that deny the capabilities of ancient Egyptians and suggest alternative, often supernatural, methods of construction.

Conclusion

Pseudohistory represents a challenge to the accurate understanding and teaching of history. It underscores the importance of critical thinking, rigorous methodology, and adherence to evidence in the study of historical events. While it may sometimes blur the lines between fact and fiction, distinguishing pseudohistory from legitimate historical inquiry is essential for maintaining the integrity of the historical record.