Table of Contents
P. B. Randolph (as Griffin Lee) writes about the belief in cyclical time that was common in antiquity. I found this passage in his book Pre-Adamite Man (1863), in a chapter on the chronology of ancient Rome. The idea, found in many legends, is that the universe passes through regular cycles of creation and destruction, driven by divine will or destiny.
Different cultures used specific numbers for these periods. For Randolph the most interesting numbers are 360 and 432, with their multiples. They form the basis of many mythological and historical chronologies.
Cycles of creation and destruction
The ancient belief was that the world moves through regular cycles of change. Each cycle starts with creation or renovation and ends with destruction or annihilation.
The passage as printed in Randolph says that almost everyone in antiquity believed the universe passes through regular cycles of creation and destruction.
Their fundamental idea, as well as that of the legends with which they are almost always associated, is the belief, almost universal in antiquity, that the events of the universe, by the laws of destiny, or the arrangements of the Divine will, are constantly passing through great and perfectly regular cycles of change, commencing with creation or renovation, and ending with destruction or annihilation;
As printed in P. B. Randolph (as Griffin Lee), Pre-Adamite Man (1863), p. 188
The numbers 360 and 432
The important cycles are often based on 360 and 432. Their multiples include 1080, 1296, 120 and 12,000.
Randolph names 360 and 432 as the key roots, with 1080, 1296, 120 and 12,000 as related periods.
The most interesting of the numbers made use of in these cycles are the roots 360 and 432, with their triplicates 1080 and 1296 ; 120 and 12,000 are also important periods, and 365 is a frequent, and 354 an occasional, substitute for 360.
P. B. Randolph (as Griffin Lee), Pre-Adamite Man (1863), pp. 188-189
Examples of cyclical periods
Randolph gives a list of great cycles from different cultures:
- China: 129,600 years, in 12 great months of 10,800 years each.
- Persia (the followers of Zoroaster): 12,000 years.
- Chaldea, antediluvian history: 432,000 years. Antediluvian means before the flood.
- Hindu Kali Yuga: 432,000 years. The Maha Yuga is 4,320,000 years.
- Egypt, great cycle: 36,500 (Randolph also gives 36,525) years.
- Mexico, great cycle: 18,000 years.
Randolph says the great cycle of China has 129,600 years, divided into 12 great months.
Thus, for instance, the great cycle of China contains 129,600 years, divided into 12 great months, each containing 10,800 years ; and, of course, the four great seasons of such a year contain each 43,200 ordinary years, while each of its months contain three times 3,600 years.
P. B. Randolph (as Griffin Lee), Pre-Adamite Man (1863), p. 189
The 432,000 years of Chaldea come back on my page 432,000 years. The Hindu ages are on Four Yugas.
Table of Ancient Cycles and Periods
| Civilization | Cycle Period (Years) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| China | 129,600 | 12 great months, each 10,800 years |
| Persia | 12,000 | Zoroastrian cycle |
| Chaldea | 432,000 | Antediluvian history |
| Hindu (Kali Yuga) | 432,000 | Kali Yuga cycle |
| Hindu (Maha Yuga) | 4,320,000 | Maha Yuga (12,000 divine years) |
| Egypt | 36,500 | Great cycle of Egypt |
| Rome | 360, 432 | Various historical periods, including the interval to the fall of Troy and early Roman history cycles |
| Mexico | 18,000 | Great cycle of ancient Mexico |
Roman history
Randolph finds the same numbers in Roman history. One example is the 360 years from the era of Actium to the dedication of Constantinople. Another is the triplicate cycle of 432 years.
Randolph says the dedication of Constantinople in 330 falls exactly 360 years after Actium.
Finally, from the establishment of the empire to the solemn dedication of Constantinople as the new seat of empire, in A. C. 330, is also exactly 360 years ; for 330 of Christ is 360 of the era of Actium.
P. B. Randolph (as Griffin Lee), Pre-Adamite Man (1863), pp. 186-187
What the cycles mean for history
The use of 360 and 432 in historical chronologies suggests that these numbers were mythological frameworks. They were later adapted into historical contexts. Roman events often line up with these cycles, which points to a mythic structure underneath.
So many ancient histories are not genuine annals. They are mythic creeds, “criticised down” into what looks like real history. Recognizing these cycles shows that many historical accounts may be mythologized versions of true events, adjusted to fit the mythic numbers.
Randolph says such periods show that we are reading old myths, not genuine annals.
The natural inference suggested by the prevalence of such periods in any history is, that we have before us not genuine annals, but old mythic creeds, gradually criticised down into a semblance of realities, and ultimately mixed up with all that tradition or record had preserved of the real deeds of the nation.
P. B. Randolph (as Griffin Lee), Pre-Adamite Man (1863), p. 190
Randolph uses these cycles to show where mythology and history meet. In his reading, ancient civilizations used numerical cycles to structure their understanding of time and events. I collect more on this theme on Cycles of time.
About the source
P. B. Randolph (as Griffin Lee) published Pre-Adamite Man in 1863. I checked the quotes against the archive.org scan of the 1863 edition, pages 186 to 190. More on the book is on the Pre-Adamite Man page and on Paschal Beverly Randolph, Pre-Adamite Man.
