Phantom Time Hypothesis

Overview

Proposed by Heribert Illig in 1991, this theory suggests that significant portions of history were fabricated.

Core Claims

• 297 years were allegedly added to the calendar
• The Early Middle Ages (614-911 AD) did not occur
• Establishment figures, including Pope Sylvester II, manipulated the calendar
• The goal was to position themselves at the millennial year 1000 AD

Proposed Evidence

• Alleged lack of archaeological evidence from the period
• Perceived discrepancies in historical records
• Architectural arguments

Criticism

• Astronomical records from multiple civilizations contradict the theory
• Dendrochronology (tree-ring dating) provides continuous records
• Ice core samples align with conventional chronology

Status

Described as blatantly false by historians. Considered pseudohistory with no credible support from the academic community.