pseudohistory

Pseudohistory is a broad label for historical claims presented as factual but lacking credible evidence, coherent methodology, or adherence to established historiographical standards. Proponents often rely on speculation, cherry-picked sources, misinterpretations of artifacts, or misdating of events, and their work typically escapes rigorous peer review.

Common features include grandiose, sensational narratives that fit contemporary biases; arguments built on supposed experts outside mainstream scholarship; and the suppression or ignoring of contrary data. Topics frequently associated with pseudohistory include purported lost civilizations, ancient advanced technologies, claims of extraterrestrial contact, and nationalistic or religious myths presented as objective history.

Pseudohistorical arguments are often disseminated through popular books, television programs, blogs, and social media. They may use seemingly technical language, present persuasive timelines, and appeal to authority without transparent procedures or reproducible methods. Legitimate historical revisionism, by contrast, reexamines evidence within explicit methods, acknowledges uncertainty, and openly addresses counterevidence.

Scholars counter pseudohistory by source criticism, verification of dating, context analysis, and replication or sourcing of claims. Debunking typically demonstrates where methods fail, where data are misused, or where analogies exceed what the evidence allows.

Impact and reception vary; some pseudohistorical claims gain wide public attention and can distort understanding of the past or erode trust in scholarship. Pseudohistory is distinguished from credible historical debate by its systematic rejection of evidence-based standards and its opportunistic or ideological aims.