- [01:16](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=76s) ποΈ Introduction to Andrew Michaels and Phantom Time Conspiracy
- Comedian and host of Underworld News Tonight, Andrew Michaels, joins to discuss the Phantom Time Conspiracy theory.
- [04:01](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=241s) π Historical context and origin of Phantom Time Conspiracy
- The Phantom Time Conspiracy claims that 297 years (613-911 AD) were fabricated by Pope Sylvester II, Holy Roman Emperor Otto III, and possibly Byzantine Emperor Constantine II.
- Otto III's motivation was linked to Christian millenarianism, seeking Messianic status by aligning his rule with the 1,000th anniversary of Christ's life.
- The theory suggests a deliberate attempt to create a mythical predecessor in Charlemagne, mirroring Otto's rule.
- [08:46](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=526s) π Herbert Ilig and Catastrophism Influence
- Herbert Ilig, the creator of the Phantom Time Hypothesis, was initially influenced by catastrophism and parallels in historical narratives.
- Ilig's previous works on ancient Egypt and prehistory laid the groundwork for his interest in reshaping medieval history.
- Ilig's inclination to find unconventional parallels played a significant role in formulating the Phantom Time Conspiracy.
- [10:49](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=649s) π The Phantom Time Hypothesis and Otto III's Role
- The Phantom Time Hypothesis alleges that Otto III, with the help of Pope Sylvester II, added 297 fictional years to history.
- Otto III's fabrication aimed at establishing a Messianic political figure by aligning his rule with the 1,000th anniversary of Christ's life.
- The need for a mythical predecessor led to the creation of Charlemagne as a model ruler, further legitimizing Otto's dynasty.
- [16:11](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=971s) π΅οΈ Evaluating Evidence and Boredom Strategy
- The evidence supporting the Phantom Time Conspiracy is drawn from the works of Herbert Ilig, primarily published in German.
- Dr. Hans R. Nemitz's translated papers discuss the conspiracy but are characterized by a deliberate artifice of boredom.
- The use of boring and dense content is a common strategy in conspiracy theories to create an impression of credibility.
- [19:09](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=1149s) π Calendar Discrepancies
- The Gregorian calendar adds a leap year every four years, but due to inaccuracies, it skips the leap year three times every 400 years.
- The Julian calendar, preceding the Gregorian, should have been behind by 13 days, but it's only behind by 10, suggesting a discrepancy of about 300 years.
- Leap year adjustments and discrepancies in the calendars form part of the Phantom Time Conspiracy.
- [21:44](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=1304s) π° Romanesque Architecture Anomaly
- Phantom Time theorists point to Romanesque architecture in 10th Century Western Europe as evidence against the conventional historical timeline.
- Buildings like Siabi in France and Maria Laach Abbey in Germany exhibit Romanesque architecture, seemingly contradicting the notion of disconnected Barbarian kingdoms.
- The argument challenges the established historical narrative regarding the development and spread of architectural styles.
- [23:08](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=1388s) π² Dendrochronology Skepticism
- The Phantom Time hypothesis challenges the validity of dendrochronology (tree dating) as a reliable method for dating historical events.
- Supporters, including Dr. Nemitz, assert that dendrochronology is flawed and question its influence on various academic fields.
- Dendrochronology skepticism is a significant component of the Phantom Time Conspiracy theory.
- [26:13](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=1573s) βͺ Church's Role in Historical Fabrication
- Dr. Nemitz argues that the Catholic Church played a role in fabricating historical events for political and theological reasons.
- The Church's creation of saints, miracles, and historical narratives is seen as a means of consolidating power and justifying political changes.
- The Phantom Time proponents link the Church's alleged fabrications to the emergence of papal centralism and changes in the authority of the papacy.
- [28:43](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=1723s) π Calendar Sync and Council of Nicaea
- Critics of the Phantom Time theory cite the synchronization of Julian and Gregorian calendars, arguing against a significant time gap.
- The Council of Nicaea's decision to calculate the date of Easter independently is proposed as an explanation for the calendar synchronization.
- The discussion addresses objections related to calendar accuracy and religious events.
- [29:38](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=1778s) ποΈ Romanesque Architecture Rebuttal
- Arguments against Romanesque architecture inconsistencies suggest it was a simple, culturally unifying style after the fall of the Roman Empire.
- The Phantom Time skeptics assert that the architectural style's continuity doesn't necessitate a continuous historical timeline.
- The defense counters claims of architectural anomalies supporting the conventional view of historical progression.
- [30:07](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=1807s) π’ STEM Brain and New Chronology
- STEM Brain refers to a skepticism of historical events by those proficient in mathematics, leading to unconventional conspiracy theories.
- The New Chronology theory by Anatoly Fomenko proposes a radical revision of history, collapsing Greek, Roman, and Egyptian history into the Middle Ages.
- The discussion highlights the potential dangers of such conspiracy theories, especially the geopolitical implications of the Great Russian Horde concept.
- [37:13](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=2233s) π
Historical Calendars
- Various calendars exist worldwide (Gregorian, Julian, Jewish, Chinese, Persian).
- The Phantom Time Theory questions historical events, allowing interpretations to be flexible.
- [38:08](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=2288s) π€ Phantom Time Theory's Flexibility
- The Phantom Time Theory allows for filling gaps with desired events.
- The theory's malleability encourages a personalized narrative of historical events.
- [39:31](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=2371s) π Power Dynamics in Historical Eras
- Discussion about the hierarchical structure in historical times.
- The conspiracy narrative often revolves around questioning authority figures.
- [40:29](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=2429s) π€ Questionable Quotes and Authority
- Critique of a misattributed quote and its implications.
- Modern conspiracy theories focus more on identifying the elusive "they" than verifying claims.
- [41:52](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=2512s) π¨ Media Skepticism
- Emphasis on skepticism towards mainstream media narratives.
- Discussion on a recent incident and the challenge of discerning truth from online information.
- [46:18](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=2778s) π Distracting from Real Issues
- Critique of conspiracy culture for diverting attention from serious issues.
- Comparison of conspiracy focus on celebrities to real authoritarian challenges.
- [47:55](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=2875s) π€― QAnon and Messianic Expectations
- Parallel drawn between QAnon's anticipation and religious messianic expectations.
- Criticism of the perpetual countdown on a QAnon-related website.
- [50:26](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=3026s) π€·ββοΈ QAnon's Unusual Political Affiliation
- Discussion on why some QAnon followers view a particular political figure as a savior.
- Comparison to religious imagery, invoking the idea of a flawed but necessary leader.
- [54:39](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=3279s) π Understanding Biblical Context
- Encouragement to read religious texts as cultural epics rather than factual histories.
- Brief insight into the flawed character of King David and its religious significance.
- [55:45](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=3345s) π΅οΈ QAnon and JFK Jr.
- Discussion on QAnon and its origin.
- Belief that elites are part of an evil cabal exposed by Q.
- Unfounded belief that JFK Jr. is alive and orchestrating actions.
- [01:00:10](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=3610s) π Dangers of QAnon Beliefs
- QAnon acts as a Rosetta Stone for conspiracy theories.
- The moral imperative associated with QAnon beliefs.
- The potential for harmful actions based on unfounded conspiracy theories.
- [01:02:46](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=3766s) π Double Standards in Protests
- Addressing the double standards in responses to protests.
- Comparing protests against police brutality to attempts to overturn an election.
- Emphasis on evaluating the context and motivations behind protests.
- [01:03:52](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=3832s) π Critique of Two-Party System
- Critique of the two-party system in the US.
- Reflection on the lack of a true left-wing in American politics.
- Broad criticism of the political and economic systems in place.
- [01:10:40](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=4240s) ποΈ Challenges with Podcast Guests
- Discussing challenges with podcast guests.
- Dealing with guests who may not be truthful or reliable.
- The decision to vet guests more thoroughly to maintain credibility.
- [01:13:11](https://youtu.be/e8585DzjM6U?t=4391s) π¬π§ Global Perspective and Humor
- Humorous messages to US and UK listeners.
- Acknowledgment of global listenership and popularity in the UK.
- A light-hearted and entertaining conclusion to the podcast.