Mythical Geography embarks on a captivating journey to uncover the real-world inspirations behind fabled locations. It investigates how geographical phenomena, historical events, and ancient cultures may have given rise to enduring myths like Atlantis, El Dorado, and the Garden of Eden. The book uniquely combines the disciplines of history, earth sciences, and geography to explore these connections, revealing how early civilizations perceived and interpreted their surroundings.
Did you know, for instance, that the legend of Atlantis may have roots in actual volcanic eruptions or geological events?
Or that tales of El Dorado could be linked to early explorations of South America and the perception of its resources? The book examines a range of mythical places, from well-known examples to lesser-known tales such as Thule and Agartha, drawing on historical accounts, archaeological discoveries, and geological records.
It argues that many celebrated mythical geographies are not pure invention but are rooted in or influenced by real-world locations.
By exploring these connections, the book offers a fresh perspective on cultural history, environmental perception, and the interplay between human imagination and the physical world. The book progresses by first introducing the core concept, then exploring well-known mythical locations, and finally delving into lesser-known examples from various cultures.
