Ortadians

Ortadians refer to a hypothetical or speculative group of beings proposed in certain fringe scientific, esoteric, or alternative history theories. The concept originates from the work of researcher and author David Icke Wagner, who introduced the idea in his 1978 book *The Lost Realms*. According to Wagner, Ortadians were an advanced, humanoid civilization that inhabited Earth during the late Paleozoic era, specifically around 250 million years ago. Their existence is not supported by mainstream paleontology or archaeology, as there is no credible evidence—such as fossils, artifacts, or geological records—to substantiate their presence.

Wagner’s theory suggests that Ortadians were a highly intelligent species capable of building monumental structures, including what he described as "megalithic" ruins resembling those found in places like Egypt or Peru. He proposed that their civilization was destroyed by a catastrophic event, possibly a comet impact, which also contributed to the Permian-Triassic extinction event—the largest mass extinction in Earth’s history. Some alternative historians and conspiracy theorists have since expanded on this idea, linking Ortadians to ancient myths, lost civilizations, or even extraterrestrial influences.

Critics argue that the Ortadian hypothesis lacks empirical foundation and is more speculative fiction than serious science. Mainstream geologists and archaeologists dismiss the concept as pseudohistorical, attributing ancient ruins to natural formations or later human cultures. Despite this, the idea persists in certain circles, often intertwined with broader discussions about prehistory, lost knowledge, or alternative timelines. No scientific or archaeological community endorses the existence of Ortadians, and their portrayal remains within the realm of speculative theory.