Buzz
As previously mentioned, fringe theories introduce concepts and ideas that starkly contrast with mainstream perspectives. Consequently, those who propose or support these theories often face ridicule. Although fringe theories may seem absurd to conventional thinkers, some are supported by enough evidence or persuasive arguments to make us question their validity.
10. The New Chronology Hypothesis
Similar to Heribert Illig’s Phantom Time Hypothesis, this fringe theory by Russian mathematician Anatoly Fomenko pushes the concept of historical forgery to even more extreme levels. While Illig’s hypothesis removes roughly 300 years from history, Fomenko claims that 1,100 years of recorded history are entirely fabricated, orchestrated by church authorities in the 15th and 16th centuries. Through his method of “empirico-statistical analysis,” Fomenko concluded that ancient history is merely a distorted reflection of Medieval events.
Fomenko posits that Jesus Christ lived during this era, and His death was the catalyst for the Crusades. He also interprets Jerusalem as a symbolic representation of either Constantinople or even ancient Troy. Additionally, Fomenko’s theory reimagines King Arthur as a Russian prince who ruled over Britain. Despite facing criticism from mainstream historians and scientists for his unorthodox approaches, Fomenko and his followers persist in refining their theory.
9. The Japanese Are Descendants of Israel’s Lost Tribes
If you’ve come across the tale of Jesus’s tomb being located in Japan—or the eccentric belief that ancient Japanese taught the Jews Hebrew—you might already sense where this is headed. This theory suggests that, alongside the British, the Japanese are also descendants of the Lost Tribes of Israel.
Proponents of this theory argue that after the fall of ancient Israel, some survivors migrated eastward, settling in regions now known as the Middle East, Central Europe, and South and Southeast Asia. A few ventured even farther, eventually reaching the Japanese islands, where they founded the Shinto religion and the imperial system. Over time, more members of the Lost Tribes, along with Eastern Christians, migrated to Japan and integrated with the local population.
Supporters of this theory argue that the historical accounts of ancient Japan closely resemble those of Jewish history. For instance, the stories of Israeli kings—Saul, David, and Solomon—are mirrored in the tales of Japanese emperors Chiuai, Sujin, and Suinin. Additionally, they highlight parallels between Jewish and Shinto religious practices and rituals.
8. Psychedelic Mushrooms Accelerated Human Evolution
If psychedelic plants can trigger profound spiritual experiences, could they also have played a role in accelerating human evolution? American author and philosopher Terence McKenna proposed the “stoned ape” theory, suggesting that early humans, after descending from trees, consumed psilocybin mushrooms growing in cattle dung, which allegedly boosted their evolutionary progress. Regular ingestion of these psychoactive substances is believed to have enhanced cognitive functions, enabling logical thinking and communication.
Over millennia, these abilities supposedly declined as humans shifted to other food sources, reverting to a more primitive state. McKenna’s theory was largely influenced by his personal experimentation with various psychedelic substances. While controversial, this idea is just one of many unconventional theories about human evolution.
7. Early Humans Led Semi-Aquatic Lives
The “aquatic ape
Introduced in the 1960s by British marine biologist Alister Hardy, the “aquatic ape” theory argues that modern human traits evolved due to our ancestors’ amphibious habits. To forage for food, they developed an upright posture, allowing them to use their hands while wading in deeper waters. To adapt to cold temperatures, their bodies accumulated subcutaneous fat. These adaptations, along with others (such as larger brains, empty sinuses, and lowered larynxes), are cited as evidence by proponents of the theory.
Initially dismissed by mainstream scientists, the theory has since gained traction and is now a subject of intense debate among contemporary researchers.
6. The Advent of Agriculture Was Driven by Beer
Recently, we explored how agriculture might have negatively impacted human society. Surprisingly, beer is believed to have been the catalyst for this shift. Archaeologist Brian Hayden, in the 1950s, proposed that early humans brewed and consumed beer to foster social bonds within their growing communities. Over time, this practice led to more intricate social structures, laying the foundation for modern society.
Patrick McGovern, another archaeologist, presented an even bolder idea. He suggested that beer was the main incentive for our ancestors to abandon their nomadic ways and settle down. McGovern theorized that early hunter-gatherers accidentally became dependent on the intoxicating effects of fermented fruits. Despite lacking knowledge of chemistry, they mastered beer production through trial and error. Maintaining a consistent supply of alcohol required advanced farming methods, which clashed with their nomadic lifestyle. Additionally, McGovern argued that alcohol provided essential energy from its high sugar content, helping early humans survive in resource-scarce environments. In this light, beer’s discovery marked a significant evolutionary milestone.
5. Gilles de Rais Was Wrongfully Accused
We’ve extensively discussed Gilles de Rais’s gruesome crimes on numerous occasions. Now, let’s explore the controversial theory that this infamous French serial killer was actually a victim of a grand conspiracy aimed at seizing his wealth. As a nobleman, Gilles de Rais possessed immense riches, including extensive lands in Brittany. Following his execution, his primary accusers—the Bishop of Nantes and the Duke of Brittany—confiscated his assets and divided them. The Duke even took control of Rais’s wealth during the trial. The questionable nature of medieval trials, involving torture and unreliable testimonies, further supports this theory.
In 1992, a team of scholars recreated the notorious trial to evaluate this claim. After a thorough examination, they concluded that Gilles de Rais was indeed innocent, describing him as a “victim of circumstantial evidence.”
4. The Phoenicians Were the First to Discover America
Some theorists argue that the ancient Phoenicians were the first to successfully sail to the Americas, claiming they reached the east coast of Central America over 2,000 years before Columbus. Advocates of this theory highlight the Phoenicians’ advanced maritime capabilities, including superior shipbuilding and navigation skills. They also point to the Phoenicians’ historic circumnavigation of Africa in 600 B.C. as evidence of their ability to undertake long voyages.
This achievement was confirmed by sailor Philip Beale. In 2008, he used a precise replica of a Phoenician ship to successfully sail around Africa. Now, Beale aims to cross the Atlantic with another replica to demonstrate that the Phoenicians could have reached America.
3. The Universal Forgery Theory
Proposed by French librarian Jean Hardouin in 1693, this theory suggests that a secretive group fabricated many ancient Greek, Roman, and Latin texts during the 13th and 14th centuries. Hardouin also claimed that the Bible, especially the New Testament, was originally composed in Latin. He reached this conclusion after identifying what he believed were numerous errors in classical texts.
Initially, Hardouin accused the Benedictines of being the primary forgers. Later, he shifted blame to followers of a mysterious figure named Severus Archontius (a reference to Frederick II of the Holy Roman Empire), alleging they created these fraudulent documents. Hardouin claimed this group aimed to revive Paganism by crafting pro-pagan texts and presenting them as authentic historical works. As for the Latin Bible, he argued that the group produced Greek versions to mislead the public, a scheme thwarted only by the widespread distribution of the Latin version.
Despite efforts by fellow scholars to consider Hardouin’s theory, his relentless promotion of these radical ideas eventually led to his ostracization from the scientific community.
2. The Soviet Union Intended to Strike Germany First
According to conventional history, Nazi Germany initiated hostilities against its former ally, the Soviet Union, during World War II. The surprise attack, known as “Operation Barbarossa,” allegedly caught the Soviets unprepared. But is this narrative entirely accurate?
Some revisionist historians, particularly former Soviet intelligence officer Vladimir Rezun, argue that Stalin’s mobilization of millions of troops along the European borders was not defensive. They claim the Soviets had assembled a massive invasion force poised to attack Nazi Germany first. Hitler, allegedly aware of this plan, was forced to launch a preemptive strike.
This controversial theory has sparked significant debate. Proponents argue that documents exist suggesting the Soviets planned an offensive against Germany. Additionally, an alleged speech by Stalin implies he hoped the conflict between Germany, Britain, and France would weaken all three, making them vulnerable to Soviet expansion.
1. Muhammad Was a Mythical Figure
Similar to the Christ Myth, this theory posits that the founder of Islam never existed. Historians like Robert Spencer and Sven Muhammad Kalisch highlight historical inconsistencies supporting this claim. A key argument is that records of Muhammad’s life, the Quran, and Islam only gained global recognition long after the religion’s inception. They note that coins, monuments, and artifacts from that era scarcely mention Muhammad or Islam.
If Muhammad never truly existed, who created him, and for what purpose? Kalisch explains that the emerging Arab empire merged elements of Jesus and Moses to craft a unifying symbol for its people (Kalisch also disputes the occurrence of Islamic conquests). Muhammad became the emblematic leader for the Arabs, symbolizing their identity as the new “Chosen People.” Kalisch further argues that the Quran bears striking similarities to Christian and Jewish scriptures, such as Moses’s Exodus being mirrored in Muhammad’s flight from Mecca.
+Jesus Never Died
The mention of Jesus often sparks a wave of controversies, directly or indirectly related to Him. The “swoon theory” suggests that Jesus did not die but instead fainted from His injuries or consumed a drug that induced unconsciousness. After His apparent death, He either escaped the tomb alone or with His disciples’ assistance. This hypothesis, introduced in the 19th century by Karl Bahrdt, Karl Venturini, and other theologians, remains popular among some skeptics and followers of other religions, particularly the Ahmadiyya Muslim community.
Most scholars reject this theory, citing numerous medical improbabilities that would have made Jesus’s survival unlikely. However, proponents offer three counterpoints: His crucifixion lasted only six hours, which may not have been sufficient to cause death; His disciples swiftly removed His body and conducted a secret burial; and while the Gospel of John mentions a Roman soldier piercing Jesus’s side, the other three gospels do not reference this event.
