Paschal Beverly Randolph delves into the belief in cyclical time prevalent in antiquity. This idea, found in various legends, asserts that the universe undergoes regular cycles of creation and destruction, influenced by divine will or destiny. Different cultures have utilized specific numerical cycles to represent these periods. The most interesting numbers used are 360 and 432, along with their multiples, which form the basis for many mythological and historical chronologies.
Key Points on Cyclical Time
- Cyclical Nature:
- Ancient belief in regular cycles of change, starting with creation or renovation and ending with destruction or annihilation.
- Significant Numbers:
- Important cycles are often based on the numbers 360 and 432, along with their multiples like 1080, 1296, 120, 12,000, and others.
- Examples of Cyclical Periods:
- Chinese cycle: 129,600 years (12 great months of 10,800 years each).
- Persian cycle (followers of Zoroaster): 12,000 years.
- Chaldean antediluvian history: 432,000 years.
- Hindu Kali Yuga: 432,000 years (Maha Yuga: 4,320,000 years).
- Egyptian great cycle: 36,500 years.
- Roman History:
- Roman historical cycles also show patterns based on these numbers, such as the 360 years from the era of Actium to the dedication of Constantinople and the triplicate cycle of 432 years.
- Mythic and Historical Chronologies:
- The prevalence of such periods suggests that many ancient histories are not genuine annals but mythic creeds critiqued down into seeming realities.
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 |
Summary of Cyclical Influence
- Cyclical Influence on Historical Dates:
- The use of cyclical numbers like 360 and 432 in historical chronologies suggests these were mythological frameworks later adapted into historical contexts.
- Roman Chronology:
- Roman historical events often align with these cycles, indicating an underlying mythic structure.
- Implications for Historiography:
- Recognizing these cycles reveals that many historical accounts may be mythologized versions of true events, critiqued down to align with mythic numbers.
Randolph’s exploration of these cycles highlights the intersection of mythology and history, suggesting that ancient civilizations used numerical cycles to structure their understanding of time and events.
