Der Mensch der Eiszeit und Atlantis mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der Urgeschichte der Mongolen, Abessinier und Basken
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Der Mensch der Eiszeit und Atlantis mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der Urgeschichte der Mongolen, Abessinier und Basken
Sigismund von Gleich's "Der Mensch der Eiszeit und Atlantis" presents a bold, if highly speculative, thesis connecting the Ice Age, Atlantis, and the deep origins of seemingly disparate peoples. The author's attempt to link the "Urgeschichte" of the Mongols, Abyssinians, and Basques under an Atlantean umbrella is ambitious, drawing on a wide array of anecdotal evidence from mythology and linguistics. One strength is the sheer scope of the author's comparative reach, which, while unconventional, encourages a rethinking of established historical narratives. However, the work's primary limitation lies in its methodology, which often prioritizes associative leaps over empirical validation. For instance, the sections attempting to linguistically connect Atlantean remnants to Basque phonetics, while intriguing on a surface level, lack rigorous philological grounding. Von Gleich’s examination of the Abyssinians’ ancient history, presented as a direct lineage from Atlantean survivors, exemplifies the book’s speculative nature.
Ultimately, this is a work for those who enjoy exploring the edges of historical possibility, rather than a definitive account of human origins.
📝 Description
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Sigismund von Gleich's 1990 book connects Ice Age humans, Atlantis, and ethnic origins.
Sigismund von Gleich's "Der Mensch der Eiszeit und Atlantis" from 1990 proposes a speculative prehistory linking early humans, the lost continent of Atlantis, and the ancient roots of certain ethnic groups. The author draws on archaeology, mythology, linguistics, and esoteric lore to build a narrative of human development and migration. This work appeals to those interested in alternative histories and the speculative aspects of esoteric thought. Readers who question standard archaeological timelines and explore hypotheses about lost continents and forgotten human lineages will find material here. The book also considers the foundational myths of various cultures, focusing on their origins and migrations.
Von Gleich's study revisits themes prominent in occult literature from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as Atlantis and its connection to racial origins, influenced by thinkers like Helena Blavatsky and Ignatius Donnelly. Published in 1990, it attempts to synthesize earlier theories with a broad survey of global ancient history. The author includes the early history of groups such as the Mongols, Abyssinians, and Basques. The central idea is that an advanced Atlantean civilization served as the source for human development and cultural diffusion, suggesting a common ancient root for disparate cultures.
This book is situated within the tradition of pseudohistorical and esoteric inquiry that flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a milieu shaped by figures like Helena Blavatsky and Ignatius Donnelly. Von Gleich engages with persistent themes in occult literature, particularly the legend of Atlantis and its supposed role in racial origins. Published in 1990, the work represents an attempt to revisit and synthesize these older theories with a more expansive, though unconventional, view of global ancient history, incorporating specific ethnic groups into this speculative framework.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Gain a unique perspective on human origins by examining Sigismund von Gleich's theory of Atlantean influence on early civilizations, a concept he applies to groups like the Mongols. • Explore a comparative historical framework that challenges conventional timelines, focusing on the proposed "Urgeschichte" of peoples such as the Abyssinians. • Consider the linguistic and mythological connections von Gleich proposes between the legendary Atlantis and the ancient Basques, offering a non-mainstream view of cultural diffusion.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of Sigismund von Gleich's "Der Mensch der Eiszeit und Atlantis"?
The book focuses on a speculative theory of human origins, proposing that the legendary continent of Atlantis influenced early human development and the history of various ancient peoples, including the Mongols, Abyssinians, and Basques.
When was "Der Mensch der Eiszeit und Atlantis" first published?
The work was first published in 1990, though it draws upon earlier esoteric and pseudohistorical traditions.
Does the book provide scientific evidence for its claims about Atlantis?
No, the book is largely based on speculative interpretation of myths, legends, and linguistic comparisons, rather than empirical scientific evidence, positioning it within esoteric literature.
Which specific ancient groups are discussed in relation to Atlantean origins?
The book specifically examines the 'Urgeschichte' (prehistory) of the Mongols, Abyssinians, and Basques, suggesting common links to Atlantean civilization.
What is the 'Urgeschichte' concept as used by von Gleich?
Von Gleich uses 'Urgeschichte' to refer to the deep, often mythical, prehistory of peoples, which he attempts to connect to a singular, ancient source like Atlantis.
Is this book considered part of mainstream historical research?
No, "Der Mensch der Eiszeit und Atlantis" is considered esoteric or pseudohistorical literature and does not align with established academic historical or archaeological consensus.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
Atlantean Civilization's Influence
The core of von Gleich's thesis posits a highly advanced Atlantean civilization as the progenitor of many human cultures. The book argues that remnants and teachings from Atlantis were dispersed globally, directly shaping the early development and 'Urgeschichte' of diverse peoples. This includes tracing supposed influences on the ancient Mongols, the Abyssinians, and even the isolated Basque population, presenting a unified origin point for humanity's foundational myths and societal structures.
Comparative 'Urgeschichte'
Von Gleich undertakes a broad comparative study of the deep prehistory ('Urgeschichte') of various ethnic groups. He seeks to identify common threads, linguistic echoes, and mythological parallels that he believes point to a shared, ancient ancestry. The focus on the Mongols, Abyssinians, and Basques is not arbitrary but stems from his interpretation of their unique historical trajectories and perceived archaic traits as evidence of an Atlantean legacy.
Human Evolution and Cataclysm
The work frames human history within cycles of geological and cosmic events, particularly focusing on the Ice Age and the cataclysm that purportedly destroyed Atlantis. Von Gleich suggests that humanity's evolution is not a simple linear progression but is punctuated by periods of loss and rediscovery, with Atlantean knowledge representing a peak from which subsequent civilizations have derived, often imperfectly.
Linguistic and Mythological Parallels
A significant portion of the book is dedicated to drawing parallels between ancient languages, myths, and symbols across different cultures. Von Gleich interprets these similarities not as independent developments or common human archetypes, but as direct evidence of a single source – Atlantis. He explores supposed phonetic links and narrative structures that he believes connect peoples as geographically and culturally distinct as the Mongols and the Basques.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“Abyssinian antiquity reflects a direct Atlantean lineage.”
— This represents the author's belief that the historical and cultural foundations of ancient Abyssinia are not indigenous but stem from a direct inheritance from Atlantean society.
“The Basque language holds keys to the Atlantean tongue.”
— This highlights von Gleich's speculative linguistic approach, suggesting that the unique linguistic structure of the Basque people contains phonetic or grammatical elements that can be linked back to the language of Atlantis.
💡 Key Ideas
Editorial paraphrase of the work's core concepts — not direct quotes.
The ancient Mongols bear the imprint of the Atlantean migrations.
This paraphrased statement captures von Gleich's assertion that the early history and cultural development of the Mongol peoples are directly traceable to survivors or descendants of the Atlantean civilization.
Ice Age man was the inheritor of a lost world.
This paraphrased concept suggests that early humans living during the Ice Age were not primitive but were receiving or rediscovering knowledge and cultural fragments from a prior, advanced civilization, likely Atlantis.
Atlantis was the cradle of global prehistory.
This statement summarizes the overarching thesis that the legendary continent of Atlantis served as the foundational source for the development of human civilization across the entire globe.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
Von Gleich's work sits within the broader tradition of esoteric Atlantis literature, heavily influenced by Theosophy and its successors. It departs from strict Theosophical models by focusing more intensely on specific ethnic groups and their supposed direct lineage. The book aligns with a general esoteric goal of revealing hidden histories and challenging materialistic scientific paradigms, proposing a spiritual or advanced technological origin for human civilization rather than pure Darwinian evolution.
Symbolism
While specific symbols are not extensively detailed in the book's premise, the overarching concepts carry symbolic weight. 'Atlantis' itself functions as a potent symbol of lost perfection, advanced knowledge, and a golden age. The 'Ice Age' symbolizes a period of hardship and primal existence, from which humanity, guided by Atlantean remnants, eventually emerged. The disparate groups like the Mongols and Basques symbolize the far-reaching, almost universal, impact of this foundational civilization.
Modern Relevance
Contemporary esoteric thinkers and alternative history enthusiasts continue to explore ideas similar to von Gleich's. The enduring fascination with Atlantis, lost civilizations, and unconventional origins means his work finds an audience among those who question established historical narratives. It appeals to communities interested in ancient astronaut theories, proto-languages, and indigenous knowledge systems, often seeking to validate these through speculative historical connections.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Researchers of alternative history and ancient myths seeking to understand speculative theories about lost continents and their global impact. • Students of esoteric traditions interested in the continuation of Atlantean narratives beyond Helena Blavatsky and Ignatius Donnelly. • Individuals intrigued by comparative cultural studies who are open to unconventional hypotheses regarding the origins of peoples like the Mongols, Abyssinians, and Basques.
📜 Historical Context
Sigismund von Gleich's "Der Mensch der Eiszeit und Atlantis" emerged in 1990, a period marked by continued interest in esoteric interpretations of history, albeit outside mainstream academia. The late 20th century saw a resurgence of interest in Atlantis, fueled by figures like Erich von Däniken and various New Age movements. Von Gleich's work engages with a lineage of thought that includes Helena Blavatsky's theosophical theories and Ignatius Donnelly's influential 1882 book, "Atlantis: The Antediluvian World." While mainstream archaeology and anthropology had long dismissed Atlantean theories as myth, esoteric circles continued to explore these ideas. Von Gleich's specific focus on linking the "Urgeschichte" of the Mongols, Abyssinians, and Basques places his work within a particular strain of racial and cultural diffusionist theories popular in earlier esoteric literature, which often sought to explain perceived similarities between disparate cultures through a common, lost origin point.
📔 Journal Prompts
The proposed Atlantean influence on the "Urgeschichte" of the Mongols: what parallels might exist?
Reflect on the author's interpretation of Abyssinian history as a direct Atlantean lineage.
Consider the linguistic arguments von Gleich might use to connect Atlantis and the Basques.
How does the concept of the Ice Age inform von Gleich's view of human development?
Analyze the symbolic meaning of 'lost civilizations' in esoteric thought.
🗂️ Glossary
Urgeschichte
A German term referring to the deep, often mythical or legendary, prehistory of a people or culture, distinct from recorded history.
Atlantis
A legendary island or continent, first mentioned by Plato, often depicted in esoteric literature as a highly advanced civilization that sank beneath the sea.
Mongols
A group of East Asian peoples, historically associated with the vast Mongol Empire founded by Genghis Khan, whose ancient origins are explored by von Gleich.
Abyssinians
Refers to the ancient inhabitants of Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia and Eritrea), whose history is posited by von Gleich to have Atlantean connections.
Basques
An ethnic group indigenous to the Basque Country, a region straddling the border between France and Spain, known for their unique language and culture, which von Gleich links to Atlantis.
Ice Age
A period of prolonged global cooling during which continental ice sheets and glaciers cover large parts of Earth's surface, a key epoch in von Gleich's historical framework.
Esoteric
Relating to or accessible only by a select group of initiated people; pertaining to mystical, occult, or spiritual knowledge beyond ordinary understanding.
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