The Significance of Fossils in Greek Mythology Archaeologists believe that the Greeks used uncovered prehistoric fossils as the foundation for their Greek myths. Therefore, it is reasonable that the Deinotherium Giganteum’s bones found in Crete influenced the story of the cyclops. The idea of animal species impacting Greek literature is logical because Greeks received limited and biased education; in result, people were then given little to no factual information about the natural world. This is especially significant because a majority of Greece’s population consisted of laborers such as Greece’s uneducated farmers. Thomas Strasser proclaims, “...ancient Greeks were farmers and would certainly come across fossil bones like this and try to explain them”
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Compared to modern understanding of the world, these early Greek observations were examples of inaccuracy and fallacies; however, it goes to show how these fossils are used as a basis to how their monsters are created. Hence giving attention to how the Greeks often used their imagination rather than accurate observations when analyzing found bones. While the idea of prehistoric fossils influencing Greek myths is appealing, critics oppose due to how other cultures’ stories were not determined through excavated remains and how it was unlikely for elephants to roam Greece. Thus contradicting the theory that the fossil found in Crete is related to the Cyclops myths. Based on Dr. Kate A. Robson Brown’s statement, “Many cultures around the globe have colorful giant lore [Norse fables and Australian creation stories] without the benefit of rich fossil deposits” (“Greek Myths: Not Mythical”). In addition , Hillary Mayell’s article states that the fossilized bones of the Deinotherium was the first prehistoric bones found around Crete, and is undated (Mayell). This goes to show that it is possible that Greek mythology did not develop through fossil evidence but through genuine
Compared to modern understanding of the world, these early Greek observations were examples of inaccuracy and fallacies; however, it goes to show how these fossils are used as a basis to how their monsters are created. Hence giving attention to how the Greeks often used their imagination rather than accurate observations when analyzing found bones. While the idea of prehistoric fossils influencing Greek myths is appealing, critics oppose due to how other cultures’ stories were not determined through excavated remains and how it was unlikely for elephants to roam Greece. Thus contradicting the theory that the fossil found in Crete is related to the Cyclops myths. Based on Dr. Kate A. Robson Brown’s statement, “Many cultures around the globe have colorful giant lore [Norse fables and Australian creation stories] without the benefit of rich fossil deposits” (“Greek Myths: Not Mythical”). In addition , Hillary Mayell’s article states that the fossilized bones of the Deinotherium was the first prehistoric bones found around Crete, and is undated (Mayell). This goes to show that it is possible that Greek mythology did not develop through fossil evidence but through genuine