A Guide to the Phantom Dark Age

Sound Bite

Emmet Scott confronts conventional historians and looks at the evidence, archaeological and textual, for the proposition that three centuries, roughly between 615 and 915, never existed and are 'phantom' years. The author shows in detail how no archaeology exists for these three centuries, and that the material remains of the seventh century closely resemble those of the tenth, and lie directly beneath them. This is the first book on this topic in the English language, though Heribert Illig's books on the same topic, 'Das erfundene Mittelalter' and 'Wer hat an der Uhr Gedreht?' have been best sellers in German-speaking Europe.

About the Book

The term 'Dark Age' was first introduced by historians during the 14th century, denoting that little was known of European history in the centuries between the fall of the Western Empire and the beginning of the 11th century. By the 19th century, however, it had become evident that Roman civilization did not come to an end in 476, not even in the West.

The author confronts the conventional proposition that three centuries, roughly between 615 and 915, never existed. The material remains of the 7th century closely resemble those of the 10th, and lie directly beneath them.

The very late adoption of a universally-recognized Christian 'anno domini' calendar and the Islamic world's Age of Hijra (AH) calendar aided in masking the deception. The barbarian princes who had taken control of the Roman Empire's western provinces were not mindless destroyers. On the contrary, they adopted Roman civilization as quickly as they could and did everything in their power to uphold Roman institutions and customs. They also minted gold coins emblazoned with the image of the emperor in Constantinople. And they continued to build monuments in the Roman style, including luxurious churches and amphitheatres.

At the other end of the scale, the period we now call the High Middle Ages, from the 11th or even late 10th century onwards, could no longer be considered part of a dark age: the great cathedrals and castles of this time still stand in all their glory throughout Europe, revealing an advanced and in some ways astonishing civilization.

Using real evidence, archaeological and textual, Emmet Scott shows in detail that these are 'phantom' years, and he suggests why it was that this little fiction was widely accepted and supported, as it served the interests of the ruling elites from Europe to Arabia.

Introduction

In A Guide to the Phantom Dark Age, historian Emmet Scott presents a groundbreaking exploration into one of history’s most debated periods. Through meticulous research and compelling analysis, Scott questions traditional timelines and offers a revolutionary perspective on the so-called "Dark Ages," challenging widely accepted historical narratives.

Unveiling Historical Mysteries:
Scott investigates the mysterious centuries following the fall of the Roman Empire, a period often shrouded in uncertainty. He examines archaeological records, historical documents, and cultural developments, uncovering discrepancies that suggest a reevaluation of accepted historical timelines.

Lost Civilizations and Forgotten Events:
From Europe’s shifting power centers to the enigmatic rise and fall of empires, Scott traces the complex web of historical events. He delves into forgotten civilizations, lost technologies, and unexplained cultural stagnation, painting a vivid picture of a world far different from what mainstream history suggests.

Reinterpreting the Past:
Through rigorous analysis, Scott questions the accuracy of established historical dates and events. He explores potential causes for historical gaps, including lost records, political upheavals, and scientific miscalculations. His thought-provoking conclusions challenge readers to reconsider humanity’s shared past.

Global Impact and Modern Relevance:
Scott’s investigation extends beyond Europe, considering how global historical timelines might be affected by the "Phantom Dark Age" hypothesis. His work provides fresh insight into the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations and their enduring legacies.

For History Enthusiasts and Critical Thinkers:
A Guide to the Phantom Dark Age is essential reading for history buffs, scholars, and anyone intrigued by the mysteries of the past. Scott’s bold reinterpretation of historical timelines offers an intellectual adventure that reshapes our understanding of history.

Table content

Foreword 1Introduction 3Chapter 1: The Dark Age 13Origin and Development of the Dark Age Idea 13What Caused the Fall of Rome? 19The Revival of Classical Civilization in the Sixth Century 25The Revisionist Rejection of the Dark Age Idea 38Chapter 2: The Archaeological Problem 47The Archaeological Hiatus in Europe 47The Archaeological Hiatus in Byzantium and the Islamic World 54Retarded Echoes 61Chapter 3: A Mythical Three Centuries 71A Radical Solution 71Origin of the Anno Domini Calendar 73Why Distort History? 77What about the Dark Age Chronicles? 83Chapter 4: The Problem of Islamic History 95The Islamic Calendar 95The Archeology of Mesopotamia and Iran 99The Chronology of Islam's Early Expansion 104Other Question Marks about Early Islam 108Towards a Solution 117Chapter 5: Reconstructing the Seventh Century 123The Seventh Century Renaissance 123Reconnecting the Strands 126Seventh Century Merovingians and Tenth Century Carolingians 131Spain in the Seventh and Tenth Centuries 135Byzantium in the Seventh and Tenth Centuries 139Chapter 6: A Strange New World 145Consequences 145Europe and the East 148Appendix: The Astronomical Evidence 155Radiocarbon Dating and Dendrochronology 162Bibliography 169Index 173