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Bonus Ep 7: The Phantom Time Hypothesis

hello patrons! thanks once again for supporting the show, it means a lot to us. in this new, patron-exclusive episode, we discuss the conspiracy theory known as the Phantom Time Hypothesis, which was first introduced in 1991 by German writer Heribert Illig. the PTH holds that 3 different rules: Otto III of the HRE, Pope Sylvester II, and Constantine VII of the Byzantine Empire conspired to add 297 years to the calendar so that they could rule in the portentous year of 1000AD. yes, it's as goofy as it sounds but we can use it as a way to examine how historians and scientists arrive at the dates we currently have and how we know they're accurate. besides, everyone loves a good crackpot theory, right?

note: in the episode, I (Luke) say that Garry Kasparov is a subscriber to the Phantom Time Hypothesis. this is incorrect, he's actually into New Chronology, which is very different. thanks to Frederic for pointing it out!

Comments

you're absolutely right, I just flubbed that one! I'll make a note to correct it next time around, thanks for the assist

lukeisamazing

Garry Kasparov was involved in a different pseudohistory nonsense known as the New chronology, which is not the same as the Phantom time hypothesis.

Frederic Dumont


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