Giants have always been a fascination for people around the world. They appear in myths, legends, and religious texts across different cultures and civilizations.
But who were these giants? Did they really exist or were they just a figment of people’s imagination? In this article, we will explore the concept of giants in ancient times and try to uncover the truth behind their existence.
The Concept of Giants
The concept of giants is not new. It has been around for thousands of years and can be found in various cultures around the world. In some cultures, giants were considered divine beings with extraordinary powers while in others they were seen as fierce warriors who posed a threat to humans.
According to biblical texts, giants existed on earth before the great flood. They were known as Nephilim and were said to be the offspring of fallen angels and human women.
The book of Genesis describes them as “the heroes of old, men of renown.” This concept is also found in other ancient texts such as the Book of Enoch.
In Greek mythology, giants were known as Titans. They were powerful beings that ruled over the world before being overthrown by the Olympian gods. Similarly, Norse mythology has Jotuns or Frost Giants who are depicted as powerful beings that lived in Jotunheim.
Evidence for Giants
While there is no concrete evidence to prove the existence of giants, there have been numerous discoveries that suggest their presence on earth. One such discovery was made in 2007 when archaeologists found fossilized footprints in Tanzania that belonged to a species known as Australopithecus afarensis. These footprints were much larger than those of modern humans, leading some experts to believe that they could have belonged to a giant species.
Similarly, there have been reports throughout history about giant skeletons being discovered all over the world. In 1895, a newspaper in Arizona reported the discovery of giant human skeletons measuring over 9 feet tall. In 2002, a team of archaeologists discovered the remains of an ancient race of giants in Sardinia, Italy.
Theories about Giants
There are several theories about the existence of giants in ancient times. Some people believe that they were an actual species that lived alongside humans while others think that they were simply exaggerated human beings.
One theory suggests that giants were a result of genetic mutations or abnormalities. This theory is supported by some evidence such as the discovery of skeletons with elongated skulls, which could have been caused by cranial deformation.
Another theory suggests that giants were simply humans who suffered from gigantism, a condition caused by excessive growth hormone. However, this theory fails to explain why there are reports of giant skeletons being discovered all over the world.
Conclusion
The concept of giants has fascinated people for centuries. While there is no concrete evidence to prove their existence, there have been numerous discoveries that suggest their presence on earth. Whether they were actual beings or just figments of people’s imagination, the concept of giants continues to intrigue and captivate us even today.
- Key Takeaways:
- Giants have been a fascination for people around the world.
- They appear in myths, legends and religious texts across different cultures and civilizations.
- The concept of giants is not new and can be found in various cultures around the world.
- While there is no concrete evidence to prove their existence, there have been numerous discoveries that suggest their presence on earth.
- Theories abound about who these giants were and what caused them to exist.
References:
- Ancient Origins. 2017. Giants: Who or What Were They? Available at: https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends/giants-who-or-what-were-they-007170
- BBC News. 2016.
The mystery of Tanzania’s ancient giant footprints. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-38239330
- National Geographic. 2014. Were There Really Giant Humans in Earth’s Ancient Past? Available at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/7/140716-giants-nephilim-skeletons-archaeology-bible-science/