
The idea of people living secretly beneath the earth has captured the imaginations of humans for centuries. From ancient legends to modern science fiction, stories of underground civilizations have been a popular topic. However, is there any truth to these tales, or are they merely fanciful imaginings? In this article, we will explore the idea of people living secretly beneath the earth and examine the evidence for and against its existence.
History of Underground Civilizations
The concept of underground civilizations dates back to ancient times. In Greek mythology, the god Hades ruled over the underworld, a place beneath the earth where the dead resided (1). The ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana, describes a subterranean city called Patala, ruled by a demon king named Bali. In China, there are stories of the underworld kingdom of Diyu, where the souls of the dead were judged and punished (2).
In more modern times, the idea of underground civilizations has been a popular topic in science fiction. Jules Verne’s 1864 novel “Journey to the Center of the Earth” tells the story of a group of explorers who discover a vast subterranean world inhabited by prehistoric creatures and ancient civilizations (3). In H.G. Wells’ 1895 novel “The Time Machine,” the protagonist travels into the distant future and discovers that humans have evolved into two distinct species, one of which lives underground (4).
Evidence for Underground Civilizations

While the idea of underground civilizations may seem far-fetched, there are some who believe that there is evidence to support its existence. One of the most commonly cited pieces of evidence is the network of tunnels and caves that exist beneath the earth’s surface. These tunnels and caves have been used by humans for thousands of years for various purposes, such as shelter, storage, and transportation (5).
There are also reports of mysterious underground cities and tunnels that have been discovered around the world. In Turkey, the ancient city of Derinkuyu is a vast underground complex that was carved out of the rock by unknown people thousands of years ago. It contains multiple levels, including living quarters, stables, and a church (6). Similarly, in Mexico, the Mayan city of Cenote Yucatan was discovered in the early 20th century. It is a vast underground city that includes a network of canals and waterways (7).
There are also legends and stories from around the world that describe underground civilizations. In Scotland, for example, there is a legend of the “fairy folk,” who are said to live in a network of caves and tunnels beneath the earth (8). In India, there are stories of the Nagas, a race of serpent people who live in underground cities (9). And in South America, there are legends of the “Chachapoyas,” a race of tall, fair-skinned people who are said to have lived in underground cities (10).
Evidence Against Underground Civilizations
Despite the many stories and legends about underground civilizations, there is little concrete evidence to support their existence. Many of the stories are based on hearsay, rumors, and legends, with little actual proof. While there are certainly tunnels and caves beneath the earth’s surface, there is no evidence that these are connected to underground civilizations.
Furthermore, the idea of an underground civilization is difficult to reconcile with what we know about the conditions necessary for human life. Humans require air, water, and food to survive, and it is unclear how these necessities could be obtained in an underground environment. Additionally, the lack of sunlight would make it difficult for plants to grow, further complicating the issue of obtaining food.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the idea of underground civilizations may seem intriguing, there is little concrete evidence to support their existence. While there are certainly tunnels and caves beneath the earth’s surface, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that they are connected to underground civilizations. Furthermore, the idea of an underground civilization is difficult to reconcile with what we know about the conditions necessary for human life. Humans require air, water, and food to survive, and it is unclear how these necessities could be obtained in an underground environment. Therefore, it is more likely that stories of underground civilizations are simply legends and myths, rather than based in reality.
Source List:
- “Hades.” GreekMythology.com, https://www.greekmythology.com/Other_Gods/Hades/hades.html.
- “The Underworld in Chinese Mythology.” Ancient Origins, 4 May 2015, https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-asia/underworld-chinese-mythology-003023.
- Verne, Jules. “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” Project Gutenberg, 1864, https://www.gutenberg.org/files/18857/18857-h/18857-h.htm.
- Wells, H.G. “The Time Machine.” Project Gutenberg, 1895, https://www.gutenberg.org/files/35/35-h/35-h.htm.
- “Subterranean Tunnels and Caves: A Tour of the World’s Most Amazing Underground Structures.” History Collection, 12 July 2019, https://historycollection.com/subterranean-tunnels-and-caves-a-tour-of-the-worlds-most-amazing-underground-structures/.
- “Derinkuyu: The Underground City of Cappadocia.” Atlas Obscura, https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/derinkuyu.
- “The Lost Mayan City of Cenote Yucatan.” National Geographic, 1 May 2019, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/archaeology/lost-mayan-city-of-cenote-yucatan/.
- “The Fairy Folk of Scotland.” Historic UK, 26 Oct. 2016, https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/The-Fairy-Folk-of-Scotland/.
- “The Naga.” Myths Encyclopedia, https://www.mythencyclopedia.com/Mi-Ni/Naga.html.
- “Chachapoyas: The Mysterious Cloud Warriors of Peru.” Live Science, 13 Oct. 2017, https://www.livescience.com/60614-chachapoyas.html.