In the search for scientific facts, researchers of ancient civilizations and cultures also come across fake news created by people in the past. The most interesting thing is that the ancient people often did it in the name of cultural tourism.
One of these fake news was discovered by thracologist Prof. Vanya Lozanova, who is a researcher of Orpheus and Orphism. The information is related to the so-called oracle of Orpheus on the island of Lesbos, mentioned only by one ancient author – Philostratus. He wrote that the head of Orpheus reached the island by sea and gave rise to prophecies.
“This is a fiction created by Philostratus. The head of Orpheus and its sacred space is in Thrace. By creating his legends, Philostratus tried to attract the attention of tourists who would visit his island,” Lozanova told BNR. “We should not demythologize myths. They exist on another plane. It is good to construct the information that could intrigue tourists,” the specialist said.
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